Roderick Earl Nadeau, 58, of Tupper Lake, NY, died unexpectedly on January 4th 2018, at his home.
Rod was born to Albert Nadeau and Mary Lou (Blodgett) Chellis on August 27, 1959. He has four siblings, Judy, Brian, Wayne, and Valerie.
Rod graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1978 and then traveled out West to work. In December of 1979, he was involved in an accident which resulted in his paralysis. Following a year long stay at a rehab in Salt Lake City, UT, Rod returned to his hometown of Tupper Lake where he became affectionately known and loved as “Rod the Quad”.
He attended NCCC in Saranac Lake and graduated in 1990 with an Associate's degree in Applied Science. He worked several jobs at the college, making numerous friends along the way.
Rod spent the last 37 years in Tupper Lake enjoying traveling, sports (especially the Boston Bruins!), fishing, hunting, and most importantly, spending time with the love of his life, Shelley, and all of their children and grandchildren. They shared a happy, busy life, but particularly cherished their simple life and quiet time alone together.
Rod always had a smile on his face, with those sparkling blue eyes of his, no matter what life threw at him. He was friendly, kind, and loved conversation - no matter the subject. To know him was to love him. He never let his physical limitations hold him back and certainly never complained. With Shelley’s love, devotion, and support by his side, Rod was able to live a truly fulfilling life.
He was predeceased by both parents, Albert and Mary Lou, his step-father, Mark Chellis, and nephew, Daniel Nadeau.
He is survived by his other half, Shelley; four siblings, Judy (Gordie) Duval, Brian (Bobbi) Nadeau, Wayne (Mary LaVigne)Nadeau, and Val Nadeau;
Christopher (Dianna) Brown, Matthew (Melissa) Brown, Allison (Tracey) Madole; and 11 grandchildren – Chelsea, Gabe, Mackie, Abby, Dani, Nolan, Madison, Raif, Greyson, Hadley, and Brayden and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider the Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire and Rescue, in thanks for their devoted service to Rod over the years. Calling hours are scheduled for Monday, January 8th from 4 - 7 pm followed by a funeral service at 7pm at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home. Burial will be in St. Alphonsus cemetery in May.