Obituary of Wayne Rhodes

Allegany, NY Wayne M. Rhodes, 73, of 1744 Chipmonk Road passed away Thursday (June 13, 2013) in the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born October 2, 1939 in Olean, NY he was the son of Cleone and Millie Remington Rhodes. On May 6, 1972 at St. John's Church in Olean he married Mary A. Ambroselli who survives. Mr. Rhodes was a 1959 graduate of Allegany Central School and attended Cortland State College. In 1961 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Rota, Spain as well as Panama during the Vietnam War until his discharge in 1966. He had been employed as a machinist for Dresser Rand Co. for forty one years, retiring in 2001. While employed he served as a Union Steward for the United Steelworkers Union Local #4601. He also was a former member of the board of directors for the Olean Area Federal Credit Union. Mr. Rhodes was devoted to his faith, having been a longtime member of St. Bonaventure Church and a nine year volunteer for its furniture Outreach Program. He was a former assistant commissioner for the Alle-Catt Midget Football League and was a nature enthusiast with a particular interest in fishing, hunting and hiking. He also enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. He was a true Civil War buff and enjoyed reading books and articles in regards to that time period and of history in general. Surviving besides his wife of forty two years are a daughter Michelle (Lex) Barker of Lockport; a grandson Lucas Barker; six brothers and sisters Dale (Irma) Rhodes of Obi, Shirley Boser of Bradford, PA, Merle Rhodes of Ellwood City, PA, Wanda (Lester) Wilson of Boardman, OH, Pearl Cargill of Randolph and William (Dee) Rhodes of Orangeburg, SC and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers-in-law Ronald Boser and Ronald Cargill. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean tonight (Sat) from 7-9pm and Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held Monday (June 17, 2013) beginning with a prayer service at the funeral home at 12:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00pm at St. Bonaventure Church. Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the St. Bonaventure Church Outreach Program or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfunealhome.com.