Rodney Burgess

Rodney W. Burgess, 65, of Sugar Grove, PA, died Sunday, April 7, 2024, at his residence.  He was born October 15, 1958, in Warren, PA.  He was the son of Russell G. and Amy Ellis Burgess.

He will be remembered as someone who loved life and lived each day to his fullest.  His kindness toward others and his outgoing nature captivated all those who knew him. From a young age, he had a natural talent toward all things mechanical and early on discovered his love for machining.

He retired from Interelectric, after 35 years, where he held positions of team lead as well as plant supervisor. His entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to create his own business of Rod’s Machine Shop and Neon Images. Many local and New York state neon business signs were created by him, there was not a challenge he couldn’t meet in these fields, and he greatly enjoyed his work.

Rodney truly loved all things outdoors and would often be seen on his Harley or Honda or in one of his antique hot rod cars. He enjoyed attending car shows, watching Stateline speedway races, hiking, kayaking, biking, and sitting by the lake enjoying God’s creation.  He recently purchased a backhoe and created a large koi pond which he tended to daily, as well as a greenhouse he built from scratch and filled with vegetables. 

He loved his family and created many memories; they will cherish forever.  Rodney became a born again Christian and was greatly inspired by his brother, Donald who shared his own love for the Lord on a regular basis.  Rodney then inspired his daughter, Carrie to do the same and together they joined and attended the United Methodist Church and were involved in many activities, both in and outside of church. 

Rod was very proud of his granddaughter, Alexis Christensen, who recently became a private first class in the United States Army.  He was adored by his nieces, and nephews and had a hand in raising his nephew, Shawn.  Together they would hike the property, build tree forts, pick leeks as well as spend many hours both in the neon sign shop and machine shop, creating many things together. The greatest creation of course was the memories Shawn, can always carry with him. Rodney became engaged with his stepchildren and step-grandchildren, as well and enjoyed four-wheeling, gardening, local activities, and numerous outdoor adventures with them. 

Rodney especially enjoyed any time he spent with his grandson, Billy, together they did many projects, one project in particular, that Rod held special to his heart was the creation of their own go-cart.  Rod spoke of all his grandchildren, fondly and often.  To numerous young people throughout the years, Rodney was fondly known as “Uncle Rod.”  To know him was to love him and his deep-set gratitude for life will certainly be carried on as part of his legacy.

A memorial service was held at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Bay Allen, Pastor of Russell United Methodist Church.  E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com