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Rodney C. Wotton Obituary

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Rodney C. Wotton

York, ME

June 21, 1939 - November 24, 2021

Rodney C. Wotton Obituary

York Beach, ME.:  Rodney C. Wotton passed away on Wednesday November 24, 2021 with his beloved family by his side.  Rod fought a long battle from complications with Parkinson’s Disease.

            Rod was born in Rochester, NH on June 21, 1939, the first son of Flora and Robert Wotton.  Rods younger brother, R. Bruce Wotton, was by his side throughout his life, this ordeal and until the end.

            Rod grew up in Rochester and graduated from Spaulding High School, excelling in Football, Basketball and Baseball, where he graduated in 1957.  He later graduated from the University of New Hampshire where he played baseball and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1961.

            Rod met his wife Norma while both were freshman in high school and they entered UNH graduating together in 1961.  Rod and Norma were married in 1961 – Norma has been by Rod’s side from their freshman year at Spaulding HS through his death on November 24th – they never left each others side.

            Rod’s love of sports continues in the lives of his three children, Peter, Wendi and Jeffrey who were involved in Ice Hockey, Football, Baseball, Basketball, Track and Field, Soccer and Golf.  Rod enjoyed golfing with his family and his close friends.

            Rod had a long and wonderful life.  He was the head coach of multiple sports while teaching at Marshwood HS to include Basketball, Lacrosse (with his good friend Bob Weeks) and his 33 years as the Head Coach of the Football program. 

            Shortly after Rod retired from teaching and coaching he took an assistant football coaching position at UNH to get back into the sport he loved most only to realize the college game was not what he was looking for. Rod retired from teaching and coaching, only the realize afterwards that he missed the Marshwood football team and parents and the excitement of the game at the high school level.  While teeing off at the Rochester Country Club with his wife and the Headmaster of St. Thomas Aquinas he was asked if he missed coaching?  Both Rod and Norma said “yes”.  Unable to coach at his previous football community he accepted the challenge of coaching at St. Thomas (a team that had lost their previous 15 games).  He coached at St. Thomas and he continued his love for the game for another 15 years.  Again, the St. Thomas football team and parents made these last years of coaching memorable as well – at St. Thomas also excelled in the Win/Lost column.

            Rod helped guide teams to many state championships from both schools and has been honored in several “Halls of Fame” in his 48 years of teaching and coaching.  This past summer Rod was voted by his peers as the “Greatest Football Coach of All Time” in the state of Maine.

            When Rod was not coaching he was teaching Math, Social Studies and Physical Education.  He got tremendous satisfaction in the classroom as well.  Those who knew him, knew he could be a “gruff” motivator for teaching and coaching on the outside but they all knew him to be “soft” on the inside.

            Reluctantly Rod had to “hang up” his cleats and whistle after 48 years and retire from coaching due to his health problems related to Parkinson’s.  His family was the most important part of his life, as a husband to his wife Norma, a loving father, grandfather and friend.

            Rod remained friendly with his fellow coaches and sports writers, past players and their parents over the years.

            He is survived by his wife of 60 years Norma, his son Peter and wife Kathy of Dover NH, Wendi Cryan and husband Tom of York ME, Jeffrey Wotton and his wife Cheryl of Byfield MA.  He also leaves his treasured grandchildren Meghan, Molly, Jake, Kiana, Malia, Nicole and Jackson as well as his 5 “grand dogs” – Rod was a great animal lover.

            In addition Rod’s family want to thank the Edgewood Center in Portsmouth NH and Beacon Hospice for their loving, compassionate and attentive care for Rod.  Special thanks also go out to his friends and neighbors on Sea Mist Lane watching over the family as well as the volunteer firefighters who came when help was needed.

            Rod was able to leave the Edgewood Center and spend his last days in his home and, will be rejoined in rest with his wife Norma for internment at the First Parish Cemetery in York, Maine – whenever that time comes. 

            Services: Due to Covid-19, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations to his memory may be sent to the Rodney C. Wotton Memorial scholarship at Marshwood High School/Athletics – 260 Dow Highway – South Berwick ME., 03908.  Checks can be made out to “Marshwood High School” and in the memo line: Rodney C. Wotton Scholarship.  A celebration of Rod’s life will be held in the spring and arrangements are under the direction and care of the Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home in York, Maine.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Rodney C. Wotton hosted by Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home.

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Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Rodney C. Wotton.