Roderick John "Rod" Niesen

Roderick John Niesen surrounded by his loving family, left this earth for his heavenly home, January 6, 2023. Born the son of Dr. Leonard and Margaret Niesen, September 19, 1937. He was predeceased by his parents, Sister Judy Moront and Brother Robert Niesen. He spent the first 3 years of his life at Potts Memorial, now known as Adventist Nursing Home where his father was the resident physician. The family moved to Hudson NY on Allen Street when his father set up private practice. Rod attended St Mary’s School and became a choir and altar boy at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson NY. He graduated from CBA High School in 1956. It was during these years he was well known for his athletic ability in basketball and baseball as a pitcher. He attended St Michaels College in Vermont and it was during this time that he met his future wife Carole Vorgang who was a student nurse at Columbia Memorial Hospital. He entered the army in 1959 training at Fort Dix NJ and later at Fort Gordon, Georgia as a military policeman. He was stationed in France and was on the championship basketball team and championship baseball team as a pitcher. He married Carole January 16, 1960 and was a salesman for Singer Sewing Machine Co. prior to becoming an advertising salesman for the Hudson Register Star Newspaper and later circulation manager. In 1969 he went into business with John Sharpe and Roger Miner as NSM Central Business Service/Collection Agency which he later brought and established the Hudson Credit Bureau Inc. He was a member of the following organizations: SPOUT - Director and chairman of membership, Community Chest Board of Directions, Vice President, President and Campaign Drive Director. Knights of Columbus, 3rd degree knight , St. Mary’s Parish Council – member and usher (known as the candy man to the children and guess why ) Youth committee chairman – was able to obtain many student teachers from Columbia Greene Community College to assist at school. Hudson Lions Club member since 1973 – served on the board of directors, President 1978-1979 and 1994-1995. Editor of the Lions Whisper. Lion of the year 1980-1981 and attended the International Lion’s Convention in Japan in 1974. Hudson Middle School, Hudson High School and Greenport School PTA member. Harts Little League manager/coach 1964-1975. Past member of Columbia Golf and Country Club. Past Director of Auger Lake Association, Keeseville, NY Director of the Hudson Boys Club, Hudson NY 1968. Was voted man of the year 1973, president 1975 at a time when the boys club had only $67 dollars in their account and was under threat of being closed. Camp Anderson property was still unused. Rod had a party to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Club at the old Elks Club where 300 young and old celebrated and enjoyed memorabilia of the past. The board obtained funding from large corporations which helped to offset expenses and helped to refurbish the club. The Club opened its doors on Wednesday Nights for girls. In 1975 he set up the Girls Softball League in Columbia County consisting of nine teams ages 13-15. The League consisted of coaches, umpires, managers, and bands. He is known as the father of girls’ softball. Highly successful and much needed, the Junior girls League still exists today. The Senior Girls Softball League was established in 1976. Later is 1977 the Women’s Softball League asked Rod to help reorganize their league. He was a lifetime member of the Federation of the Polish Sportsmen Club. Past Board of director and enjoyed going to shoots and events with this family. Rod received the JC’s Distinguished Service Award in 1975 for outstanding community service. Carole and Rod traveled both aboard and near. They especially traveled consistently to Potsdam for Basketball games for 38 years including visits to St. Rose, CBA and Hudson High School. Rod enjoyed family vacations to Cape Cod, Auger Lake and just spending time at his pool and hosting the annual family picnic. He still found lots of time to be a great friend, uncle, father, grandfather and husband. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 63 years Carole. Sons Tim (Mary Beth), Roddy (Terra), Bill (Michelle) and Gregory. Grandchildren Michael (Katie), Megan, Nicole, Jake, along with Dakota and Ashley Cohn, and Tucker Banios, several nieces and nephews and his cat Cali. We will miss your smile, laughter (especially over your own jokes), your love, kindness, and caring. Have fun up there! In Lieu of flowers Contributions can be made to: Holy Trinity Parish, Hudson Lions Club or Federation of Polish Sportsman’s Club. Calling hours will be from (3-7) pm on Friday January 13, 2023 at the Sacco Funeral Home 700 Town Hall Drive. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Saturday 10:00am on January 14, 2023 at Holy Trinity Parish 429 E. Allen St. Hudson. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Cedar Park Cemetery.

Roderick John "Rod" Niesen

September 19, 1937 - January 6, 2023