Daniel L. Rhodes

It is with great sadness we announce the death of our loving father and husband, Daniel Louis Rhodes. Dan died on Monday, August 26, 2024, at home after a brief but aggressive battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.

Dan was born on August 9, 1939, in Ravenna, Ohio, alongside his twin brother, Monsignor David Rhodes where his parents, Alma (Wise) and Frank Rhodes raised Dan and his four siblings: David, Lois, Mary Ellen (Ellie) and Ruthann.

Dan graduated from Ravenna High School in 1957 and Kent State University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (SAE) and served eight years in the Ohio National Guard.

It was at Kent State University where he was given the superlative, “Smiley” and where he met the love of his life, Rosemary Eddy. She was named the SAE Sweetheart and then became Dan’s forever sweetheart when they married on May 30th, 1962, recently celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary. Dan and Rosemary together raised four loving children: Tom, Marianne, Anita and Melinda.

Dan was the proud president and owner of Ravenna Tire Service, a family business he ran for 45 years and further acquired Orwell Tire Service. He was affectionately known to many as “Dan, Dan the Tire Man”.

Dan had many hobbies. He loved watching all sports and at age 40 took up tennis and played till he was 80. He enjoyed biking with his neighborhood comrades and loved playing cards with long-time friends, euchre and bridge being his favorites. Dan’s pride and joy was his 1953 red chevy pick-up truck, frequently winning “best in show” at classic car shows. Summer vacations in Destin, FL with his children and grandchildren held a special place in Dan’s heart, as well as the entire Rhodes family.

Dan was deeply committed to his community and faith. With his giving spirit, he was an active supporter of many organizations and charities in Ravenna and Aurora as well as the Catholic Church. He was a benefactor and championed helping those in need through Family and Community Services, Inc., UH Portage Medical Center (formerly Robinson Memorial Hospital) and the Salvation Army.

He is predeceased by his parents, Alma and Frank Rhodes as well as his son, Thomas Rhodes and sisters, Mary Ellen Rhodes (Rice) and Lois Rhodes.

Dan is survived by his wife, Rosemary Rhodes, daughters: Marianne Atkins (Jeff) Scottsdale, AZ; Anita Ramsay (Jim) Westchester, New York; Melinda Pachtner (Mark) Scottsdale, AZ and daughter-in-law, Janet Rhodes, Nashville, TN. Grandpa Dan will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Max and Zach Rhodes, Chandler and Payton Atkins, Sloane and Chase Ramsay. In addition to Dan’s immediate family, he is survived by sister, Ruthann Conrad and brother, Monsignor David Rhodes along with his nieces and nephews: Monika, Stephen and Alexandra Conrad and Daniel Rhodes Rice.

Visitation will take place on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 10:00-11:00am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Aurora, OH. (342 S Chillicothe Rd, Aurora, OH 44202). A funeral mass will follow the visitation at 11:00am. Please join us for a lunch to be held after the mass at Club Walden, 585 Country Club Lane, Aurora, OH 44202.

A burial service for the family will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Ravenna.

In Dan’s memory, donations can be made to: Family and Community Services, Inc. https://fcsserves.org/ - or - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Aurora, Ohio, https://www.olphaurora.org/ Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com