Robert Daniel Rhoads, Jr. left this earth on Thanksgiving Day November 23, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children, who are most grateful for having had him as their husband and father. He was born on December 30, 1936, to parents Robert D. Rhoads and Ada McConnell. Dan is survived by Connie (nee Koval), his wife of 62 years, and his children Robert D. Rhoads III of Ogden, UT, Kathleen (David) Huber, of Severance, CO., and Timothy (Terry) Rhoads of Swampscott, MA. Grandchildren Julianna Rhoads and Abigail Rhoads. Also step grandchildren D.J. (Stephanie) Huber, Jeannette Huber, and Rachel (Keith) Molloy, and two step great grandchildren, Jence and Claudia Huber. He is survived by brother, James (Mary Scott) along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by brother, Richard.
Dan grew up in Franklin, PA., the oldest of three brothers. He was an Eagle Scout who loved to fish, hunt, canoe, and camp in the area around the Allegheny River.
Dan was a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University where he and Connie met through their fraternal organizations Sigma Nu and Delta Gamma. During college Dan joined the ROTC which began his career in the military. They married on September 23, 1961, in St. Anselm’s Church near Pittsburgh, PA. and began their life together in Syracuse, NY. After a short period in Maine, they lived in Connecticut for 8 years. The family then moved to Fairport, NY where they have lived for 50 years.
Professionally Dan was an electrical engineer. He worked for several companies selling electrical equipment, before starting his own business as a manufacturer’s representative.
Dan loved his country and spent 28 years in the military, mostly in the Army Reserves where he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Service and volunteerism were very important to Dan, having spent time with Boy Scouts, Perinton Ambulance, Habitat for Humanity, Fairport United Methodist Church, and St. Peter’s Kitchen. Throughout his life he had many hobbies including building and flying remote-controlled planes, model railroading, stamp collecting, and bread baking. He was a great handyman and enjoyed carpentry and woodworking. Most important was his family. Dan was a loving husband and father, and a good friend to many. He had a great sense of humor, never missing an opportunity to deliver “zingers”.
His last days were spent at Strong Memorial Hospital battling very recently diagnosed leukemia and complications of pneumonia. He was grateful to the staff for his care; always asking about their day, expressing gratitude, and making them laugh. During that week the family was blessed to be able to gather, share meals and reminisce. Dan was able to contribute to the stories and provide many of the punch lines. Along with the shock and sadness there was so much laughter. He will be missed by many.
Calling Hours Friday December 1, 2023, 4-6:30pm at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral service Saturday, December 2, 2023 11am at Fairport United Methodist Church, 31 W Church St. Fairport, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity (www.grhabitat.org) or Fairport United Methodist Church (www.fairportumc.org). and the Perinton Volunteer Ambulance (https://www.perintonambulance.org/) in the suggested donations
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10 responses to “Rhoads Jr., Robert Daniel”
Dan was a caring and just plain down-to-earth nice guy. It was always a pleasure to chat with him when he could make it to our military retiree luncheons. Sincere condolences to his wife Connie, and to all of his family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.
My Sincere Condolences to the Family
Uncle Dan could always be counted on for a giggle, he always had the very best jokes.
Above all, he was such a kind man. Although we didn’t get as much time together as I would have liked, due to distance, I will always be able to hear his voice in my head and I will cherish that.
Rest in peace Uncle Dan. Prayers to the family.
Dan was my older first cousin. As a kid, I was jealous of him because he was so accomplished. He was a good wrestler, sportsman, musician, Eagle Scout, model airplane builder and a person liked by all. He was also my Moms favorite. In later years he was always the best cousin. Although we didn’t maintain close contact, he will be missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Dan’s passing. I shared with some of the other distant Rhoads cousins that when I was a young girl with a thick Texas accent, he’d tell me I was the only one he knew who could stretch his name out to 3 syllables. At age 51 now, I bet I still could! Fond memories of the few visits I’d see him and Aunt Connie while traveling to Pennsylvania from Texas for family gatherings. I enjoyed reading about all he accomplished during his life. You all are in our prayers and may you feel God’s presence close in the days ahead.
We lived across the street from the Rhoads house in Fairport and have been good friends with Dan and Connie for many, many years. We have enjoyed many Fish Fries and meals with them. One day he came over to tell me that his boat had sunk in the canal. Little did I know it was his remote controlled boat! Rest in peace Dan. Sending my love to all.
Our sincere condolences to the family. Dan is remembered by his friends from Perinton Ambulance. He always had a smile and a joke. We remember him fondly.
As neighbors for a number of years, we shared leaf raking and times at Piesco Lake. Dan’s wit was a common tradmark for all encounters. I’ll miss seeing Dan with Connie on the canal path in Fairport. My heart is with the entire family.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Dan’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.