Obituary of Charles Rhoads

Chick was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 7, 1944 to his wonderful parents Charles and Dorothy Rhoads. He was blessed with a baby sister Kathy who he loved dearly. Chick enlisted in the US Army in 1964 and served in Vietnam in 1965 as a radio operator. All he wanted was packages of toys sent to Vietnam for the kids in the village where he was assigned because they had nothing and he wanted so badly to give them something. Chick sent many letters home to his parents and sister always with his sense of humor.

After he returned home he took a job with Bell Telephone and remained an employee for 35 years until he retired. He spent many hours with Fish, George, Kirk , Fred, Bob and may others. Anyone who knew Chick knew that he was a big Union man and he was well placed as a Union Rep. He represented and helped many union members over the years.

In 1984 Chick met the love of his life Jody West and her two children Lisa and Stephen. In 1988 they married and spent the next 25 years together. He was a loving and giving father who always had time for advice, hugs, practical jokes and anything else needed.

In 1988, Chick became the proud Uncle of Christopher Rapone. He liked spending time with Chris and teasing him.

In 1989 Chick was given the news that he was going to be a Grandfather. In February of 1990, Raymond West was welcomed into the world with open arms. Chick was the happiest that he had ever been. He spent many nights rocking and feeding his precious grandson to sleep. He loved playing with Ray and taking him on vacations where he and Mom would argue over who would hold him. He was a proud Pop Pop and would have done anything for Ray.

In 1996, Chick welcomed his first Granddaughter into the world; Nicole Cerrone. She was from that day the apple of his eye. He would hold her all the time and play with her. Chick had many tea parties and even let Nicole win at games after she cried after losing so much. Nicole and Chick grew to be best buddies over the years. Chick loved to spend time with beautiful granddaughter and was incredibly proud of her and the young lady that she has become.

In 2006, Chick was blessed with another grandson, Stephen West. In 2008, he was thrilled when Peyton was born and in 2010 his youngest grandson Jaxson was welcomed into the family. Chick spent many hours blowing bubbles, cheating at games, teaching Stephen how to fish, and looking for the items that Jaxson liked to hide (shoes, socks, keys).

Chick loved vacationing and going to warm locations. He also loved being bumped from airline flights so he could get free tickets to his next exotic vacation. Chick loved practical jokes and having good times with his buddies Mouse, Duffy, Bill, Obie and Carl at Barney's. And he loved watching any type of sports but especially the Flyers.

Chick had so many family and friends that he loved spending time with like Dan who he loved to argue union and politics with. He enjoyed his time with Lisa and her kids Alyssa and Nicholas. We had many years of laughter and love. After Chick's back surgery, he never recovered enough to begin getting around again. His good friend Joe would come visit Chick every week and they would eat and have a drink together.

Chick always kept a smile on his face no matter what kind of day his was having. The world was a much better place when he was here with us. As his daughter, I can tell you that he will be missed more that words can express. I will always remember the day he came into my life and the day he left. All the good that I have in me came from Chick and my Mom. He loved my Mom deeply and wanted nothing but love and happiness for her. Stephen meant the world to him. He loved having a son and hanging out with him. His grandchildren were his world. He always spoiled them with treats, his time and his unconditional love. Our lives will never be the same without him.