GALLUPVILLE — Rodney Bryan Elble, who loved nature, died of a heart attack on Monday, June 9, 2025, while in one of his favorite places, the Adirondack Mountains. He was 76.

He was born in Calais, Maine on Jan. 18, 1949 to the late Clement W. and Dorothy Schock Elble.

“He developed his love of nature and the outdoors growing up in rural Maine, where he explored the woods with his brothers, raked blueberries, transplanted trees for their lawn, ice-skated on the backyard brook, and shoveled lots of snow,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Rod spent many happy hours fishing with his childhood friend, Ron Spearin. He always said that he grew up in the best place with the best family.

“Rod served four years in the United States Navy where he met his wife, Wanda Lee Hughes. They were very fortunate to have had 54 wonderful years together.

“After graduating from the University of Maine in 1976 he taught high school science and math in Massachusetts for six years before moving to Knox, New York. He worked as an electronics technician at the Colonie Mail Processing Plant.

“Many will remember him loudly cheering on his children and their teams at their Berne-Knox-Westerlo school games, where he was affectionately known as ‘Hot Rod.’ In later years, Rod’s greatest joy was watching his grandchildren’s ball games and cross-country meets. The day before he died, Rod told his daughter Nadine that he had lived a very happy life.”

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Rodney Bryan Elble is survived by his wife, Wanda Lee Hughes; his beloved children, Nathan (Carli) Elble, and Nadine Elble (Mike); and four precious grandchildren, Natalie, Charlotte, Eden, and Mason Elble.

He is also survived by his brothers, David (Susan) Elble, Thomas (Patricia) Elble, Terrence (Nancy) Elble; four sisters-in-law, Eileen (DeVerne) Breed, Alice (Arlie) Harrer, Janice Grunenwald, Kathleen Hughes, two brothers-in-law, Wesley and Richard Hughes; many nieces and nephews, and a faithful friend, Mike Delucia, with whom he shared many wonderful and memorable camping and fishing trips at Long Lake.

His wife’s parents, Edwin G. and Shirley Rickmyer Hughes, died before him, as did a special brother-in-law, Jacob Grunenwald.

“Special thanks to John Dillon Park in Long Lake, New York, a handicapped accessible campground where Rod could still enjoy his communion with God and nature,” his family wrote. “We are truly grateful for the dedication and compassion of the park staff, and the first responders of Long Lake.

“In accordance with Rod’s wishes, services will not be held. A private memorial will be held at a later date. His wish would be for everyone to enjoy nature and to treat all people with kindness and respect.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans; the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Athletic Department, care of Tom Galvin, 1738 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY 12023; or John Dillon Park, 2150 Tupper Rd, Long Lake, NY 12847.