Obituary of Joseph F. Harrod

Joseph F. “Big Joe” Harrod, born March 28, 1959, passed away last Sunday morning at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown at the age of 57 following a stroke. He was surrounded by his family and friends in the days before his passing as well as in his final moments. Joe grew up in Little Falls and attended Little Falls High School. He worked with tractors and tractor trailers for the rest of his life and recently retired from the New York State Department of Transportation. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed tending the fields and helping his neighbors with their farm work, collecting anything from John Deere, giving his grandchildren rides on his farm tractors, and sharing stories with good friends over coffee. Joe is survived by his wife Victoria Harrod; daughters Missy Butcher, Mary Dickerson, and Jennifer Hill; son Eric Roe; three grandsons: James, Casey and Aiden as well as several nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph G. and Pauline Harrod of Oswego; his sister, Melanie Belcher of Oswego; and his first wife JoAnn “Jodi” Nellis, of Fairfield. A brief service will be held at the Herkimer Reformed Church at 11am on Saturday April 16. Following the service a pot-luck meal will be held downstairs for an up-beat and informal celebration of Joe’s life. All are invited to bring a dish, if desired, and stories showcasing the ever-smiling Big Joe we will always hold in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joe's name to the Herkimer County chapter of 4-H.