Thomas A. Rhodes, Jr.

Thomas A. Rhodes, 81, of Wakefield, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at home in the company of his loving wife, Kathleen M. (Henley) Rhodes. Born in Westerly, he was a son of the late Thomas A. Rhodes, Sr. and Ruth (Tarbox) Rhodes.

Tom served his country during the Vietnam War as a Radio Operator in the US Navy from 1961 until 1966, later serving in the Naval Reserve until 1967. His military career began at Naval Station Newport and concluded aboard the destroyer USS Forrest Sherman. Tom was a machine operator for Kenyon Piece & Dye for 36 years, forming many strong, long-lasting friendships among his coworkers.

A wonderful musician, deeply immersed in the realms of Jazz and Blues, Tom had a passion for sharing his talent and knowledge of music with his family and friends. An avid and eclectic reader, his bookshelves were filled with Zane Grey Westerns, Lovecraftian horror, Burroughs adventures, history, philosophy and everything written by Jack Kerouac.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Shane Rhodes and Melissa Brearley, stepchildren Christopher Conte, David Mairs, and Donna Coulter, eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a brother, Jared Rhodes. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Rhodes Sr. and Ruth (Tarbox) Rhodes, and his stepdaughter, Tanya Mairs.

Tom's legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him, both in his immediate family and among his many friends. His gentle spirit and passion for life continue to inspire those he has left behind.

Visitation for Thomas will be held Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 4 to 7 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. Burial with military honors will take place on Tuesday, October 22 2024 at 11:30 AM at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Everyone is invited to gather at the administration building at 11:15 AM.