Robert J. Rhoades

Robert J. Rhoades, 77, of Meadville passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 5, 2013 surrounded by family in the home he had built for them.

Most important to Bob was his faith and his family, but he enjoyed several hobbies.  He liked to fish and tend his garden and fruit trees.  The 1939 Chevrolet he restored was a five time Senior Grand National award winner with the Antique Automobile Association.  It was a perfect model of the first car he owned some sixty years before.  The old car brought him great pleasure, and neighbors often heard him whistling or singing a tune as he worked on it tirelessly.  He will be remembered for his cheerful smile, quick wit, and clever antics.

He was born on June 21, 1935 in Meadville, the son of the Clarence and Leona Rhoades, who preceded him in death.  He married Nellie Urquhart on December 3, 1955, and she survives.

He retired from PPG Industries after 26 years of service and attended the Pleasantview Alliance Church.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife, Nellie, of 57 years include a son, Robert C. Rhoades of Meadville; two daughters, Sally Blair of Ashland, Ohio, and Susie Patch and her husband Chris of Milford, Ohio; five grandchildren, Ryan Blair, Sarah Moes and her husband Geoffrey, Kristin Shipman and her husband Nathanial, Kevin Rhoades, Lainey Patch, and Lacey Patch; and, a sister, Florence Stellato of Meadville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Norman Rhoades, and a sister, Grace Thompson.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Joe Kaufer, Chaplain of Southern Care Hospice, officiating.

Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Harmonsburg.

A special thank you to Southern Care Hospice, especially Becky for her genuine caring and kindness.  The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Southern Care Hospice, 1245 Park Avenue, Meadville, PA 16335 or the American Heart Association, 823 Filmore Avenue, Erie, PA 16505.

Memories and condolences may be shared at waidfuneralhome.net