John Joseph Rhoades

John Joseph Rhoades, 80, passed away Saturday January 9, 2021, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

John was born in 1940 in Indiana County to Irene and Henry Rhoades. He was an active member of Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer City.

After graduating from Laura Lamar High School in Homer City, John was employed as a Mine Supervisor for R&P Coal Company for 26 years. He was an active member of the Helvatia Mine Rescue Team.

John had an amazing love for animals, especially his dogs Cocoa and Trix. He loved to fish, and had an amazing green thumb. He spent much of his retirement helping others and volunteering his time.

John was a loving husband. He and his wife Janet enjoyed spending every minute together. He was an absolutely amazing Godfather to his favorite children Logan, Gillian and Meegan. He was a devoted surrogate grandfather to them, and enjoyed being there to watch them grow up. John was deeply loved by his cousin Sherri Williams, for whom he took over as a second father.

John is survived by his wife Janet of 58 years; sisters Irene Collins, VA and Annette Millen, Lucernemines; Cousin Sherri Williams and husband Travis, Homer City; Godchildren Logan, Gillian and Meegan, Homer City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Williams Rhoades, George Romanik, Henry Rhoades and David Rhoades; and sisters Leona Angelo and Dorothy Fury.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, January 11 at 10:00 am at the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Church on Yellow Creek St. in Homer City. Please maintain social distancing and abide by mask protocol. The family would like to thank Mary Wolik and Chrissy Dias of the VNA Family Hospice for their loving care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VNA Family Hospice, Indiana PA.