Rodney F. "Rod" Critelli

Rodney “Rod” F. Critelli passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his loving wife Doris, daughter Jill, and sisters Sonja, Jeannie and Colleen.

Rod was born on June 25, 1942, in Billings, to Frank and Lottie Critelli. He was the fourth child of nine. Rod was known most for his smile, love of fast cars, Corvettes (he had 36 of them over his lifetime), ingenuity (he could fix or figure out anything), and love for life; he knew how to have fun.

Rod had a lot of fun racing cars when he was young; he loved to go fast. He was the record holder for a race held years ago on Black Otter Trail for many years. He was an avid snow skier, water skier, snowmobiler, fisherman, and also enjoyed motorcycles. When Rod was just 14 years old, he decided school was not for him; the teacher did not appreciate his dirty hands from working on cars and he did not appreciate that. So he was on to pursue his love of cars. He started his career at just 14 years old, working for Ronnie Sannes in his body shop. Rod had a passion for autobody and, after some time spent working in Ronnie’s body shop, he went on to work for Hank Gable at Hank’s Body. He always said Hank was his hero and mentor; he really had a special bond with Hank. After a handful of years working for Hank, he went back to work for Ronnie, working and running his glass shop: United Glass. And so began his glass legacy. Then went out on his own.

Rod was previously married to Silvia Whitney and had three beloved children: Daren, Cobie and Chelsea.

Rod met the love of his life, Doris Jager, in 1973. They were married on March 10, 1973. The two had one daughter, Jill. Together, they started Capital Glass in 1973 and sold it in 1983. They moved to Hamilton, Montana, for a short time and started Bitterroot Glass and sold it; they joined Critelli Glass in 1993. And still own it today. Rod was in the glass business for 68 years.

Rod semi-retired in 2002 and loved spending his retirement in his Corvette, going to auctions, rebuilding trucks and tractors, running around with his wife on their side by side, and spending time with his family.

Rod struggled with a blood disease, MDS, for 17 years. It was unheard of for anyone to live as long as he did with his disease but he was tough and had a strong will for life. He will be so missed by his best friend and wife Doris, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and siblings.

Daddy, you have been a shining light in our lives and I know you will continue to watch over us. Thank you for your lifetime of support, love and generosity you have always shown us. We are thankful you are no longer in pain, but miss you terribly. Have fun driving your eternal race in heaven until we meet again!! We love you!!

Rod is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lottie Critelli; siblings Sandra Critelli Glenn, Jackie Critelli Samsal; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Rod is survived by his wife, Doris Critelli; children Daren (Laura) Critelli, Cobie (Eric) Bozich, Chelsea (Greg) Godfrey, Jill (AJ) Vanlaarhoven; grandchildren Kalie (Kevin) Graham, Derrick Bozich, Brooke Bozich, Hannah Peterson, Ellie Peterson, Breanna Blattie, Isabella (Cody Kovach) Blattie, Jade Critelli; great-grandchildren Parker Graham, Jack Graham and Colt Kovach; siblings Gary Critelli, Sonja Reese, Jeannie Jamison, Robin Berg Critelli, Rocky Critelli, Colleen Drinkwalter; and numerous loved brothers- and sisters-in-law.