Gerard (Rod) Michael Mauskapf, 64, of Red Hook
Gerard (Rod) Michael Mauskapf, 64, of Red Hook, N.Y., passed away unexpectedly in a tragic accident on May 30, 2017.
Rod was born on Oct. 6, 1952 in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Leon and Helen (Cresham) Mauskapf. At an early age he moved to St. James, N.Y., and graduated from St. Anthony’s High School and SUNY Delhi. His first passion was the restaurant business, and after managing restaurants on Long Island he moved to Red Hook in 1980 to restore and open the Red Hook Inn in 1981. He has spent the past 15 years as sales/ safety manager for TriState Building Facade Services.
For 20 years, Rod shared his life with his beloved wife Jo Fisher, who survives at home in Red Hook.
Rod is survived by his children, Hayley (husband Adam) Carlock of Hyde Park, N.Y., Michael (girlfriend Rachel) Mauskapf of Chicago, Ill., Adam (wife Megan) Mauskapf of Stoughton, Mass., and their mother, Holly Mauskapf of Rhinebeck, N.Y. He was the doting “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren, Isabel and Amelia Mauskapf and Caleb and Nathan Carlock. He is also survived by his brothers, Bob (Peggy) Mauskapf of Richmond, Va., and John (Eileen) Mauskapf of Naples, Fla.; his sister, Ellen (Loren) Houghton of St. James, N.Y.; his brother-inlaw, Scott (Karen) Fisher of Rhinebeck, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.
Rod was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He took great joy in getting down on the floor and playing with his grandchildren, and in some ways was just a big kid himself. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends, he loved to cook for people and make them laugh. He loved his family dearly, and had a huge heart and a generous spirit. Rod was truly beloved by his family and will be deeply missed.
Rod was also loved by the many friends whose lives he touched through the years. Rod always had a smile on his face, was quick with a (probably inappropriate) joke and would brighten any room he walked into. Rod was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back. He would drop everything to help a friend (or even a stranger) in need, and was always willing to lend a sympathetic ear. His circle of friends was wide and you will not find a person without a kind word to say about him. Rod was a one-in-amillion kind of guy and will not be forgotten.
Those who wish to pay their respects may call at the Burnett & White Funeral Home in Red Hook on Sunday, June 4, 2017, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A eulogy will be conducted during visitation.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rhinebeck at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2017. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Rod’s name to a charity of your choice. Rod always focused on helping those less fortunate than himself, and would get joy from seeing others carry this on in his name.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y.
For directions, or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.BurnettWhite.com.