David C. Rode

David Rode, PhD

September 14, 1973 - March 11, 2026

Visitation: No Visitation

Service: Private

We mourn the unexpected loss of Dr. David Christopher Rode, who passed on March 11, 2026. He is survived by his mother, Susan Rode (née McDonald); his sister, Carrie Cuffy, and her husband, Briant Cuffy; and his niece, Callia Cuffy. He was preceded in death by his father, James Rode.

David was born to Susan and James Rode in San Diego in 1973. From an early age, David showed a keen interest in reading, music, and history. He was a gifted pianist and an avid student of ancient Roman history, even learning Latin throughout middle and high school. His mother and sister cherish memories of a childhood filled with travel, lively conversations around the table, and spirited family games. David was certainly not to be beaten at Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, Risk, or any game that involved a wide base of knowledge and strategy. He also had a remarkable love of geography, with an amazing memory for those least-known areas of our world. Among many family trips, a visit to New Zealand to spend time with extended family stood out as especially meaningful.

David graduated from James Madison High School in 1991. A deeply focused and confident student, David only applied to one university-he was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania, where he began his undergraduate studies that fall. His coursework in economics, finance, and decision theory left an indelible mark that would guide the rest of his career. David graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 1995.

Dr. Rode’s academic pursuits next led him to Carnegie Mellon University, where he began his graduate studies in social and decision sciences, exploring how economics, behavioral science, and quantitative methods illuminate decision-making under uncertainty. He collaborated with leading experts in behavioral decision research and risk analysis, co-authoring research and cultivating lasting friendships along the way.

During his graduate studies, Dr. Rode embraced a deep passion for teaching. He was involved with over 15 courses, serving as a head teaching assistant and drawing large student audiences to midterm and final review sessions. From the outset, he left a lasting impression on both students and colleagues. During this time, he earned a Master of Science in Behavioral Decision Making and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University.

Dr. Rode paused his graduate studies to begin a successful career in management consulting focused on the power industry. Even while in industry, he remained deeply engaged in research, continuing to publish on topics related to energy market risks, valuation, and decision-making. He served as an expert witness before regulatory commissions and led client engagements involving the financing of billions of dollars in energy infrastructure assets. Dr. Rode built a respected following of clients who valued his ability to bring clarity to complex financial and investment decisions across a wide range of power projects. Under his leadership, he managed the company to record profits, while mentoring and building a highly capable team of professionals.

After 15 years in consulting, Dr. Rode returned to Carnegie Mellon University to complete his Doctorate in Social and Decision Sciences. He successfully defended his dissertation within two years of readmission, demonstrating extraordinary discipline and mastery of his field. His Ph.D. hooding ceremony in 2018 was a pinnacle moment in a career already defined by remarkable achievements. Dr. Rode later returned to the university classroom, inspiring the next generation to explore decision-making with the same rigor and curiosity that had defined his own journey.

David developed lasting friendships across many circles. He joined the Frontrunners running club, enjoyed Sunday movie nights, and spent meaningful time with coworkers outside the office. Wednesday evenings with friends-on both sides of the bar-at Acacia became a cherished weekly ritual. The camaraderie and time with friends made those evenings legendary.

David was a generous friend, often inviting others to share homemade dinners. An accomplished chef, he perfected dishes like Beef Wellington and proudly served them on holidays, cabin trips, and special occasions. He also shared his love of travel with family and friends, creating lasting memories across the globe from annual trips to Las Vegas to exploring the pyramids of Egypt, cruising the Nile, wandering the canals of Venice, and touring the countryside of Spain.

David lived as a modern Renaissance man and a true connoisseur of knowledge. He was a brilliant thinker, speaker, and teacher. He leaves behind an enduring legacy as a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, and educator. David will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

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