Robert S. Rhodes, a longtime resident of Acton and retired sergeant of the Acton Police Department, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15th. He was ninety-four years old. He was the cherished and beloved husband of the late Irene (Mariani) Rhodes to whom he was married 45 years at the time of her passing in 2003.
Bob was born in Middleborough; he was the son of the late Massachusetts State Trooper Robert S.F. Rhodes and Lydia (Frost) Rhodes. He was raised and educated in Acton and was a graduate of Acton High School, class of 1949. In his childhood years, he and his family cherished summers spent together in Marblehead and Belgrade Lakes in Maine. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952. Bob was proud of his country and served honorably in the Korean War, spending more than a year overseas while stationed in Korea. He worked for a time as a truck driver upon returning from his service in the Army.
Upon his return to Acton, he and his wife Irene were married. They remained in Acton where they would raise their two sons. Bob joined the Acton Police Department in 1961. He served the town honorably for thirty-five years, rising to the rank of sergeant before his retirement in 1996. He was respected by his peers and the community alike.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed the peace of trout fishing and was also an ardent duck hunter, where he supported this activity as a prominent member of Ducks Unlimited. He could often be found in his garden where he grew vegetables, or refilling the many bird feeders in his yard. He was also a team member on Acton Police and Fire and the Avalon Club in the Acton Twilight Softball League for many years, into his forties. After his retirement, Bob took up golfing and found a new passion. More than anything, Bob loved his family. He rarely missed a sporting event whether it was his son’s or grandson’s games. He was a constant source of love and support for his family, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Bob is lovingly survived by his two sons, Robert E. Rhodes and his wife Karen of Oxford and William Rhodes and his partner Cheryl of Chelmsford. He was the cherished grandfather of Bobby and Jeffrey Rhodes. He also leaves his sister-in-law Helen Rhodes and brother-in-law Tony Mariani. Sadly, in addition to his wife Irene, Bob was predeceased by his brother Richard Rhodes. He was also predeceased by his companion of many years Marie Dempsey.
Bob was a friend to many and was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. Bob had a great sense of humor and his laugh was hearty and contagious. As a father and grandfather, he was there when you needed advice and seemed to have the answer to any problem. His memory and legacy will be carried on forever. He will be greatly missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Saturday, October 25th from 8:00AM – 10:30AM, concluding with a time of remembrance in the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions in Bob’s name to: The Acton Veteran’s Services Fund, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720.
