Charles Richard Rhoades

Charles Richard Rhoades, 97, of Center Conway, formerly of Plant City, Florida, ended his earthly journey on December 27, 2011. Born May 17, 1914 in Cherry Creek, New York, Dick is survived by his wife of 76 years, Aleene , their daughter, Cindy Russell and husband, Brett, five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Jo A. Trowbridge and her husband Jay.

Dick & his wife Aleene, spent a lifetime in New York State where he was a public school music educator and subsequently the founder and head of the music department at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York. In 1970, they retired to Florida where Dick became involved as the music department head at Hillsborough College near Tampa before taking his second retirement. Dick continued to keep music in his life by directing the Men's Chorus at Country Meadows, Plant City, Florida until he was 93. In 2008, they made Center Conway their permanent home.

For the past three years, Dick and Aleene have been served well by a staff of caring and loving home care givers. The family is especially grateful for the care provided by the devoted staff as well as Steve Dexter from Visiting Nurses, and their primary care provider, Geraldine Lau, MSN, ARNP. The continued support of many individuals has given Dick and Aleene the opportunity to remain in their own home where they enjoyed their family and friends and many activities. Dick was eulogized by his teaching colleague as a 'can do' guy who could always get the job done! He will be remembered by all who knew him as an outgoing, friendly conversationalist who was always ready with a good story! He was a multi-faceted man with a wealth of handyman skills including building everything from grandfather clocks and curio cabinets to the family's camping trailer. In addition, he was a composer and enjoyed playing his own individual jazz style of hits from the 30's and 40's on the piano.

A service celebrating Dick's long and full life will be scheduled at the pleasure of the family in the spring.