Rodney “Rod” Eckenrode, 66, of Ebensburg, died September 16, 2024, at St. Andrew's Village, Indiana, after a long struggle with a glioblastoma brain tumor. He was born October 20, 1957, in Johnstown, son of Paul “Blackie” and Hilda (Smith) Eckenrode. Preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother of Cresson, his wife the former Bernice Farabaugh, whom he married May 12, 2012 in Ebensburg, his children: Adam (Meghan Weber) Karlheim of Hellertown, and Brittany (Patrick) Desmond of Charles Town, WV,  3 grandchildren: Luke, Owen, and Danielle Karlheim, brothers and sisters: Bart (Charlene), Dave (Michelle), Paula (Fred) Kline, Greg (Susie), and Rebecca Eckenrode (Doug). Also survived by an aunt, an uncle, and numerous nieces and nephews. Rod enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, hunting, and playing pool. He was a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State Nittany Lions fan.  He was a 1976 graduate of Penn Cambria High School and a 1979 graduate of TTS Trade School in Pittsburgh. Rod was employed with the Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local 354 located in Latrobe, PA. Rod was a well- respected pipe fitter credited with 38 years of service at retirement in 2019. He was a member for 45 years of the Sons of the American Legion Post 748, Loretto, as well as members of the Sinnemahoning Sportsman’s Association, the Wykoff Run Campers Association, and Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg. Friends will be received from 2 PM until 8 PM Thursday at the Gibbons Funeral Home, 1688 Liberty St., Ashville, PA 16613 where a Vigil Service will be held Thursday. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday at Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg, with Celebrant Rev. Brian Warchola. Committal, Holy Name Cemetery, Ebensburg. The greatest “Thank You” to the Hillman Cancer Center, specifically Dr. Jan Drappatz, Lauren, and Ashley. Also a special thanks to St. Andrew’s Village and 365 Hospice for the care they provided to Rod in his final days. www.gibbonsfhashvillecoalport.com