Early Christmas morning on December 25, 2014, Rodney George Glanfield Angelo, a longtime resident of Harriman, Tennessee, peacefully passed away at The Bridge at Rockwood, TN. Rod was 87 years young and was born to George Frank and Marie Glanfield Angelo of Johannesburg, South Africa. He left at age 21 to “see the world” with his lifelong friend, Herb Wyngard. They made their way through Africa and then Europe, working odd jobs and having many stories to tell. After sailing across the Atlantic Ocean to Canada, he met a nurse in Sarnia, Ontario, who was to become his loving wife of 62 years, Jean Catherine Fraser Angelo. Their marriage started at the Point Edward, Ontario Presbyterian Church in 1952. Jean became the love of his life and his partner in the truest and most humble sense of the word. Rod and Jean became US citizens after moving to Michigan and went on to live in Ohio, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Rod loved using his hands and became an expert tool and die maker. He was a true entrepreneur, and his own plastic injection molding business became his life’s work. Rod was a Mason, performed volunteer rescue work in Murfreesboro and Harriman, TN, and had a passion for his many dogs and quarter horses. After he retired at an early age, he spent most of his time restoring vintage automobiles and focused on being physically fit. He loved spending as much time as possible with his family, especially his grandchildren. Rod was so very proud of all his children, and his love for them knew no bounds. He was a strong-willed, determined man who succeeded in his new life in America. Rod’s greatest gift was his love for God and wanting to share his love with others. He lived what he believed and walked his faith every day.
Mr. Angelo is survived by his loving wife, Jean Catherine Angelo, of Victorian Square in Rockwood, TN, and his daughter, Cherie Marie Angelo Beach, and husband, Col. Ivan Taylor Beach of Charlotte, NC, and his grandsons, Robert Grant Gysel and Garrett Taylor Gysel of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his son, Jeffrey Douglas Angelo, and wife, Shirley Angelo of Sweetwater, TN, and his granddaughter, Ashley Brooke Angelo, and companion, David Collins of Shelbyville, KY. Surviving also are his youngest son, Christopher William Angelo; and companion, Carolyn Finney; and his grandson, Devan Wayne Angelo, all of Harriman, TN. He is survived by family in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, Africa, and also his “brother” and dearest friend, Herbert Wyngard of Dearborn Heights, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents from Italy and Germany, and his sister, Shirley Madeline Angelo Jackson of Johannesburg, South Africa.
In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Rod’s memory may be made to the Victorian Square Resident Fund, which helps those unable to afford clothing, personal care items, trips, and grooming costs. Please share with them and send to Victorian Square Assisted Living, 241 S. Chamberlain Ave., Rockwood, TN 37854.