Thomas Edward Rhoads

He was born February 9, 1933 in Bellefonte, Pa., a son of the late E. Leonard and Esther Kellerman Rhoads. He graduated in 1951 from Bellefonte Area High School. On November 22, 1952 he married Doris Leathers Rhoads who preceded him in death. He was also predeceased by his brother and best friend Leonard Rhoads and his sisters Marie Lucas, Ruth Smith, and Pauline Stonebraker.

He served honorably in the U.S. Navy and returned to Bellefonte, Pa. where he and Doris raised four sons Thomas (Linda), Michael (Sheri), Douglas (Deb) and Daniel (Georgette) who survive him. His sons inherited his great sense of humor, his work ethic and his love of sports. He was a loving father, advisor, hero, role model, and friend to his sons and loved spending time with each of them and their families. He was an outstanding baseball and fast-pitch softball player. He loved people and dogs, was sociable and kind to everyone he met and had countless friends. He worked his way up to production supervisor at technical product companies in Bellefonte and then Tucson and was respected and well-liked by employees and co-workers for his hard work and friendly manner.

He is survived by his sons; grandchildren Tara, Daniel, Matthew, Jessica Ellis, Josh, Zachary, Molly, Evan, Lauren, Haley and Elsie; great-granddaughters Maura Elaine, Zoey Rae, Olivia Grace and Peyton; and sisters Hazel Markle and Esther Thomas.

Memorial donations may be made to Casa de la Luz Hospice, 5830 N Fountains Ave # 2, Tucson, AZ 85704.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.