Rodney Borden

Mr. Rodney Borden, 87, of Wesley Road, died Friday, June 21, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his family and friends. Mr. Borden suffered a stroke on May 18th.Born on August 29, 1925, in Marlboro, N.J., to James Arthur and Grace Emmons Borden, Rod was a graduate of Freehold High School in Freehold, N.J. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, when he served as a Second Class Petty Officer on the U.S.S. Sarasota APA from 1943 to 1946 in the Pacific Theatre, and the Korean Conflict. He was employed by the State of New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Industry for 44 years, retiring as chief appeals examiner in 1990.He was an amateur pilot, aficionado of Big Band music, stock car driver, ardent conservative, avid reader, teller of jokes and stories and beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved wilderness camping, especially in the Adirondack Mountains of New York state. A handyman in the truest sense of the word, Rod could perform virtually any task and was always willing to help those in need, giving generously of his time and resources.Rod was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Morganton since 1991 and First United Methodist Church of Toms River, N.J., from 1960 until 1991. He was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America from 1965 to 1970. He volunteered as a builder with Habitat for Humanity in Morganton for several years. He was long-time secretary of Salem Volunteer Fire Department in Morganton. Rod also was an active member of the U.S.S. Sarasota Association and served as reunion president in 2001.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Harold Borden, James Borden, who died aboard the U.S.S. Juneau during World War II, John Borden and Charles Borden; a sister, Meltha Borden Casey; and brother-in-laws, George Heflich Jr., Leonard Heflich Sr., Henry Heflich Sr., and Max Heflich.Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Joan Mary Heflich Borden of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, James Rodney and Leticia Borden of Wakefield, Va., and Donald and Alice Borden of Audubon, N.J.; two daughters and a son-in-law, Pam and Stephen Eagerton of Suwanee, Ga., and Roberta Borden Wilson of Lincolnton, N.C.; 10 grandchildren: Adin Rodney Borden, Alice Joan Borden, Grace Ellen Borden and John Charles Borden, all of Audubon, N.J.; Mary Hannah Borden Wilson of Lincolnton, N.C.; Joshua Borden of Washington, D.C.; Zachary Borden of Wakefield, Va.; Lindsay Eagerton, Annalee Eagerton and Caroline Eagerton, all of Suwanee, Ga.; a brother and sister-in-law, Carlton and Betty Borden of Marlboro, N.J.; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Heflich of Westwood, N.J.; Diane Heflich of Bethel, P.A., Fran Heflich of Robesonia, Pa., Mary Rosania, Emily Heflich and Nancy Bennett, all of Somerville, N.J.; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends.The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at Salem United Methodist Church in Morganton, N.C. A memorial service with full military honors will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark Conforti officiating. The family also will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the home of Roberta Borden Wilson at 1200 General Hoke Drive in Lincolnton, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, N.C. 28690; Salem United Methodist Church, 1206 Salem Road, Morganton, N.C., 28655; or Salem Volunteer Fire Department, 1315 Salem Road, Morganton, N.C., 28655.Sossoman Funeral Home & Crematory Center is assisting with arrangements.