Bob Rhodes

Robert John “Bob” Rhodes passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on September 1, 1938, in Sacramento, California, Bob lived a life marked by deep faith, devoted family relationships, professional excellence, adventurous curiosity, and extraordinary service to his community.

Bob was the son of Leland and Catherine Rhodes and grew up in Sacramento during the years of World War II. He often reflected warmly on his childhood adventures—riding bicycles through the neighborhood, skiing in the Sierra Nevada with his brother Leland, working paper routes and jobs at local businesses. Those early years shaped the values that would define his life: hard work, loyalty, perseverance, curiosity, and an appreciation for simple joys. Friends and family frequently heard Bob recount stories from his youth with humor and vivid detail, preserving memories of a rapidly changing California and a close-knit community where relationships mattered deeply.

After graduating from Sacramento High School, Bob attended UC Berkeley and CSU Sacramento where he discovered his true calling in business and accounting. His professional life ultimately centered on helping people navigate both the opportunities and challenges of life through wise financial counsel. In 1969, he co-founded the accounting firm Brooks, Stednitz & Rhodes in San Jose, which became a respected and successful practice serving clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Bob was known not simply as a skilled CPA and business advisor, but also as a trusted friend to generations of clients.

In 1959, Bob married the love of his life and partner in all things, Joyce. Their marriage of almost 67 years became the foundation of a large and deeply connected family. Together they built a home filled with faith, music, laughter, skiing, camping trips, holiday gatherings, and enduring traditions. Bob delighted in family adventures, especially at Lake Tahoe and Northstar, where many cherished memories were made across generations. He was a devoted husband and father whose steady encouragement and practical wisdom guided his family through every season of life. Whether teaching a grandchild to ski, organizing family trips, taking joy in graduations, weddings, ordinary dinners, and shared traditions, Bob created an atmosphere of warmth, generosity, and belonging that his family will forever treasure.

Bob and Joyce raised four children and took immense pride in their growing family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He treasured family reunions, graduations, camping trips, birthdays, and milestone celebrations, always grateful for the closeness and love shared among the Rhodes family.

Bob’s faith matured quietly but steadily throughout his life. Raised amid both Presbyterian and Catholic influences, he ultimately rooted himself deeply in Christian belief and practice. His faith was not loud or showy; it was lived. Through seasons of prosperity, challenge, illness, uncertainty, and loss, Bob returned again and again to his trust in God’s provision. He believed his life had been richly blessed—not because it was easy, but because God was faithful. Scripture, worship, singing in the church choir, Bible study groups, service, and Christian community were central to his understanding of purpose. In later years, Bob often reflected on God’s grace—how doors opened when they needed to, how resources were provided, and how peace arrived even in seasons of grief. His faith shaped not only what he believed, but also how he lived: with humility, generosity, courage, and hope.

Service to others was one of Bob’s defining qualities. Throughout his life he devoted countless hours to organizations that strengthened communities and helped those in need. He served in leadership roles with the YMCA, including Chairman of the Board for the Metropolitan YMCA of Santa Clara Valley, where he discovered a gift for thoughtful leadership and mentoring others. He also served as Chairman of the Board for the American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter and volunteered with numerous community organizations including Rotary, mental health advocacy groups, homeless outreach ministries, RotaCare clinics, and youth programs.

Bob possessed a remarkable curiosity about the world. He and Joyce traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, North and South America, embracing new cultures, friendships, and experiences wherever they went. Whether skiing in the Alps, cruising French canals, visiting biblical sites in Israel, or exploring small villages connected to family heritage, Bob approached life with wonder, humor, and appreciation. Travel became one of the great joys of their retirement years, offering opportunities not only for adventure but also for deepening friendships and strengthening family connections. Bob loved planning itineraries, learning local history, and returning home with stories, photographs, and reflections that he eagerly shared with others.

Those who knew Bob will remember his sharp mind, steady presence, storytelling, wit, organizational gifts, and generous heart. He loved conversations around the dinner table, running in the early morning, snow skiing, road trips, choir music, community service, and gathering people together. He had a unique ability to make others feel welcomed and valued, whether speaking with lifelong friends, professional colleagues, or someone he had just met. Many people sought his advice because they trusted both his judgment and his integrity. He led with kindness, conviction, and quiet confidence, offering encouragement freely and celebrating the accomplishments of others more readily than his own.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Joyce; his children Beth (David) Profio, Marci Cremer, Greg Rhodes, and Ken (Kerry) Rhodes, his 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; extended family members; and many lifelong friends, colleagues, and fellow volunteers whose lives were enriched by his friendship and guidance.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday June 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Los Gatos United Methodist Church, 111 Church Street.

In keeping with Bob’s lifelong spirit of service, the family invites those who wish to honor him to consider a gift in lieu of flowers to the Bob & Joyce Rhodes Endowment Fund, YMCA of Silicon Valley – 550 S. Winchester Blvd., #250, San Jose CA 95128, or Ymcasv.org/give