Thomas Patrick Rhoads

July 07, 1945 - October 30, 2018

Obituary For Thomas Patrick Rhoads

Thomas Patrick Rhoads, 73 years old of Raleigh, NC, went “missing” this Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018.

Tom was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, lived in Raleigh, NC for the past 10 years with his wife Kathleen, near their three children; Molly Rhoads Crouch, Laura Rhoads Muntel, and Tom Rhoads, Jr. Many of his friends and family have begun a search for his whereabouts, and many leads have emerged.

His daughter, Laura Muntel and her husband, Chris, believe he may have hit the road to expand his beloved Suite Paws Resort & Spa which he began with Laura, Chris, and Tom Jr. in 2008. However, his son, Tom Jr. and his wife, Angie, believe he may have taken a time machine back to the infamous Notre Dame 1966 National Championship season, where he started as an All-American defensive end, to break the ND-Michigan State 10-10 tie. Tom’s oldest daughter, Molly Crouch and her husband, Doug, firmly believe he received a permanent back stage pass to Hershey’s chocolate factory, chocolate being one of his primary food groups. Sophie, Josh, Amelia, Morgan, Maddie, Axel and Kellan (7 of 10 grandkids) believe they saw “PopPop” sneak out to start a band focused on bringing his version of the “Happy Birthday” song to the world. His brother, Jerry Rhoads from Cincinnati and his sister, Sally Jakubs from Cleveland, Ohio were quoted as saying, “Tom is certainly in Arizona wandering the Southwest Art Festival.” Tom’s sister from Minnesota, Mary Paulson, believed he simply found a quiet place to play bridge or devour (read) a book a day, as he did most of his life. Christopher, Kyle and Byron (last 3 of the 10 grandkids) think he may be stuck in “jail” raising money for ALS in honor of his Notre Dame teammate or helping the Food Bank charity, like any good St. Xavier High School Hall of Famer. Finally, one last lead from his numerous friends spanning from Hilton Head, SC to Raleigh, Cincinnati to Chicago and out to Arizona and California, is that Tom had set up a tailgate in South Bend, Indiana for what may finally be, another Notre Dame National Championship season. His friend and famous football player Rocky Bleier (Notre Dame/ Pittsburgh Steelers), said regarding Tom’s fight with brain cancer, “Tom is one hard-nosed SOB, God bless him. Thank you.” Go Irish!!

Even though we have had so many promising leads, none have panned out. We know that, due to his remarkable love for his wife, Kathleen, over the past 50 years, he would simply never leave her. That leaves only one last possibility. God needed this wonderful man in heaven to thank him for his unwavering belief and service. God was quoted as saying, “It was time for my son to come home”.

If you knew Tom Rhoads, you knew someone who greeted you with a twinkle in his eye, a warm smile and a sincere desire to help you on your journey. If you knew Tom, you saw his immeasurable love of family and deep caring and commitment to his friends and his alma mater, Notre Dame. If you knew Tom, you saw the love of Christ embodied in His grateful son. And Christ said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant”.

We will be celebrating Tom’s life this Friday, November 2, 2018 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, North Carolina. On Saturday, November 3, 2108, at 10:30 am, a special Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2718 Overbrook Dr., Raleigh, NC, followed by a reception at Tom Jr.’s home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the braintumor.org or diabetes.org associations to help spread the love and hope.

Services

2 Nov

Viewing and Visitation

06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

3 Nov

Funeral Service

10:30 AM - 11:30 PM

Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church 2718 Overbrook Drive RALEIGH, NC 27608 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Harold Albrecht

Thanks for the wonderful obituary. We and many others at the Raleigh Bridge Club miss Tom greatly. He graced us with his warmth and humor for many years. He was always congenial at the bridge table, while at the same time being intent on playing his best. I played against him a few times, and Betty many times. He was always a pleasure to be around. Our deepest condolences to the entire family, Harold and Betty Albrecht
September 01, 2020

Penny O'Dell

My heartfelt sympathy Kathleen and to your family. I'm sure God welcomed Tom with arms wide open! And I'm sure he will let you know "touchdown'! God Bless. Penny
September 01, 2020

Melissa Skiver

I was Tom's frequent opponent at the Raleigh Bridge Club. He was always kind and cheerful, whether making a contract or not, a worthy opponent, never gloating when he bested us and a fine person to be around. Please accept my condolences. May God bless you all with the beautiful memories of your husband, father and grandfather. Melissa Skiver
September 01, 2020

tom tepe

Dear Kathy and family, Tom was a true Catholic gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thomas M. Tepe and family
September 01, 2020

Kathy Kauffman

I remember Tom from grade school at Holy Family School in Price Hill. I remember Tom was very smart. Funny, I haven't seen Tom since grade school, but I recognized his picture right away. He was a very nice guy. Kathy Dwyer Kauffman
September 01, 2020

Dr. Terry Toepker

Tom Rhoads was a great kid that I knew many years ago when I taught and coached at St. Xavier High School. The celebration of his life in the Cincinnati Enquirer is certainly the way that I remember him. "If the eyes are the windows of the soul, You sometimes need to wash the windows. It is OK to cry." When the immediate sadness begins to lessen, the great memories will flood back to fill your hearts and souls. Best wishes, Terry Toepker St.Xavier and Xavier U.
September 01, 2020

Terri Helmer Woodside

Dear Kathy and Family... Deepest condolences. I'm sure 'missing' Tom can be found in the hearts of all of us who's lives he touched. Hugs! Terri Helmer Woodside - DL CVG RES
September 01, 2020

Lou & Jane Santoro

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Rhoads Family. As a fellow St X High grad, Tom will always be a part of the "Long Blue Line" and he epitomized the St X motto "Men for Others"! Lou & Jane Santoro
September 01, 2020

Steve Wolnitzek

I was a freshman at Notre Dame in the fall of1966 and was at the Huddle in the student center to get a snack. I was wearing my St. X jacket when Tom came up to me an introduced himself because he saw my jacket. As if a star member of the Fighting Irish football team wasnt known to a lowly freshman. I will always remember how much that gesture meant to me and how much it said about the type person TOM was. I had the good fortune to see Tom many years later when he was at the Audi Connection in Cincinnati. We were able to discuss our beloved football teams fortunes. He was someone who made a difference. Rest In Peace. Steve Wolnitzek
September 01, 2020

Jack Garrity ND â??63

All of Notre Dame is certainly proud of this wonderful alumni
September 01, 2020

Susan Bray

I knew Tom when I was involved in Local business issues and his gentle spirit and kindness just made him so special. To his family, I grieve for your loss. To our Raleigh community, learn from his interest in others and generosity. And despite being a Florida Gator, even I will say Go Irish! In Toms honor.