Assembly Resolution No. 56

BY: M. of A. Magnarelli

HONORING Roderic Woodruff Groat, "Rod Wood" upon
his retirement from the anchor desk of WSYR-TV
Syracuse (News Channel 9) after 44 years of service

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor the distinguished careers of those esteemed individuals within our
midst whose lives have been committed to the pursuit of excellence and
who bring great pride to the citizens of our Empire State; and

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the Central New York
community has been ably served and uniquely enriched through the
selfless dedication and benevolent concern of Roderic Woodruff Groat
"Rod Wood"; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
hereby honor and recognize Roderic Woodruff Groat "Rod Wood" on the
occasion of his retirement after 44 years as news anchor for News
Channel 9 WSYR and 57 years in broadcasting on November 18, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Roderic Groat "Rod Wood" is recognized as the "Dean of
Central New York Broadcasters"; and

WHEREAS, Roderic Groat "Rod Wood" is a Syracuse, New York native
having grown up in the Syracuse University neighborhood; his parents met
and worked at the old Syracuse Journal newspaper; and

WHEREAS, He attended Nottingham High School in Syracuse and Onondaga
Community College; and

WHEREAS, From 1960 to 1963, he proudly served in the United States
Army as a member of the Military Police, and served in France during the
Berlin Wall Crisis in 1961, and Miami, Florida during the 1962 Cuban
Missile Crisis; and

WHEREAS, Roderic Groat "Rod Wood" and his wife Nanette "Nan" raised
their family (5 children and 10 grandchildren) in the Valley
neighborhood of Syracuse until her passing in May 2020, after 52 years
of marriage; and

WHEREAS, He launched his broadcasting career at WOLF Radio after his
military service, Roderic Woodruff Groat wanted to become a radio disk
jockey, but radio managers heard his voice and decided he wasn't, "Rock
and Roll" material, however, they suggested he try news instead; and

WHEREAS, This led Roderic Woodruff Groat to later work at WNDR
Radio, then WHEN Radio and TV and television as a radio news director
and TV weekend anchor; and

WHEREAS, Roderic Woodruff Groat came to what was then WNYS TV in
1976 as news anchor and introduced viewers to the station's new call
letters twice, first to WIXT, then to WSYR; and

WHEREAS, He teamed on the evening news with Carrie Lazarus for 31
years, making them one of the nation's longest-running anchor teams
ever; and

WHEREAS, Roderic and Carrie were inducted into the New York State
Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2011; they were just the third and fourth
broadcasters from Syracuse so honored; and

WHEREAS, Roderic Woodruff Groat "Rod Wood" has been honored by the
Associated Press and countless other local and statewide organizations
for his news coverage, community outreach and consumer education through
his reporting; and

WHEREAS, He served as President of the Syracuse Press Club in 1976
and was installed as an honoree on their "Wall of Distinction" in 2001;
and

WHEREAS, Roderic Woodruff Groat "Rod Wood" is a longtime friend with
nationally known broadcasters, such as Al Roker, Steve Kroft, Bob
Costas, David Muir and Mike Tirico; and

WHEREAS, He has served as a mentor to hundreds of young journalists
and broadcasters who have gone on to work around the world, many of whom
stay in close contact after they leave Syracuse.

WHEREAS, Roderic Groat "Rod Wood" has received other retirement
honors, including: a citation on the floor of the House of
Representatives, an honorary degree from Onondaga Community College and
the News Channel 9 newsroom named in his honor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Roderic Woodruff Groat, "Rod Wood" upon the occasion of his
retirement from the anchor desk of WSYR-TV Syracuse (News Channel 9)
after 44 years of service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Roderic Woodruff Groat, "Rod Wood".