Obituary of Rodney H Amell Jr.

Rodney H. Amell Jr. 

Rodney H. Amell, Jr joined his son Cody Robert and brother Scott Amell in Heaven on April 20th 2020. Rod was born December 27th 1962 in Tacoma, WA to Rodney H. Amell, Sr & Jerrie Paronteau. He was then raised by a devoted and loving father Gary Paronteau with his 4 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Bethel High School in Spanaway Washington in 1981. Rod had a passion for softball and bowling in his younger years and later grew to have a strong love for the game of Lacrosse. His love and passion for sports himself, transitioned into a love and passion as a devoted coach for youth sports. He coached his youngest son in football and lacrosse for many years and eventually went on to coach side by side with him at the University of Puget Sound.  

Rod worked 28+ years for Pierce County with the Roads department and most recently in Parks & Recreation. He was a devoted and committed employee who enjoyed working outdoors especially being a part of the setup for Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park.  

Rod resided in University Place, WA for the last 30 years with his wife Debbie who he met in 1989 and quickly fell in love with to be married in 1993. Together they had a total of 6 children who they watched grow into young adults and have been blessed with 5 grandchildren. In 1995, they welcomed their son Cody, who unfortunately was stillborn. Rod loved each of his children unconditionally and was very proud of each of them. He really enjoyed camping, traveling for sports & late night bonfires at home with all his kids around. He will be truly missed by his wife, kids and grandchildren.  

Rod is survived by wife of 26 years Debbie, Mother Jerrie (Gary) Paronteau, his children Heather (Isaac, children Chace & Caleb) Sloan, Tavis (Amanda, children Emma & Austin) Hatfiled, Ashley (Ryan, children Brayden & Logan) Fuller, Tanner Amell, Jordyn Amell and his siblings Sherrie (David, children Renee & Jamie) Miller, Dave (Corrina, children Kevin & Steven) Paronteau, Vince (Dawn, children Brett & Kendra) Amell, and Tina (Jeff, daughter Chelsea) Yarnell, . He was also survived by many extended family members on Debbie’s side, his mother in law Joan Gavranich, Brother in law Tim (Lori, children Chelsea and Caitlyn) Gavranich and sister in law Vicky (Tony, children Anthony and Christine) Frigerio. As well as many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. He is proceeded in death by his Father in Law, Don Gavranich, Brother Scott Amell, son Cody Amell and many other loved ones.  

Rod left a mark on everyone he met and will be surely missed by many. The family would like to thank Pierce County for all their continued support during the last few months of Rod’s time here on earth. The family would also like to thank the community of University Place for all they have done during this time.  

GO COUGS!