Sylvester Eugene Rhodes Sr
We are of good courage, and we would rather be absent from the body and at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8
Obituary
Sylvester was born on November 21, 1958, in Washington, D.C., to the late Jack and Geneva Rhodes. He was the second child and only son of four children. The Rhodes family later moved to Mesa, Arizona, where Sylvester grew up in the close-knit, family-oriented community of the Washington-Escobedo district. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1976 and remained an active participant in his community throughout his life.
Sylvester's childhood was marked by his love for sports, music, and martial arts. He played little league baseball, trained in Karate, and achieved a black belt. His passion for music led him to play bass guitar in a neighborhood band called the “Soul Pacers,” which became a cherished memory of his youth.
After high school, Sylvester enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served from 1977 to 1983. His military service was a source of pride and honor, and he carried those values with him throughout his life. Following his time in the Army, Sylvester began a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, starting with small assignments alongside a sergeant from the Mesa Police Department. His career with the Arizona Department of Corrections began in January 1993, and he retired in 2013 after 20 years of dedicated service to the state. He also worked part-time for the Maricopa County Security Services, transitioning to full-time after his retirement from the Department of Corrections. He completed his career in the Judicial Branch, retiring in December 2017. For the last three years of his life, he worked as a private investigator, continuing his passion for serving others.
Sylvester met and fell in love with Gabriela Rodriguez (Gabby), and the two were united in marriage on March 7, 2015. Though no children were born to this union, Sylvester and Gabriela shared a deep and abiding love that was evident to all who knew them.
Sylvester was a devout Christian and a beloved member of Bethel Chandler Church in Chandler, Arizona, where he participated on the prayer team and enjoyed praying for others. He was a strong believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his faith provided him with comfort and strength throughout his life. Sylvester was a man of many interests, enjoying everything from modeling cars to watching his favorite show, “Law and Order.” He had a passion for the outdoors and especially loved spending time working in his backyard.
Above all, Sylvester will be remembered for his warmth, laughter, sense of humor, and infectious smile. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Geneva Rhodes. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gabriela Rhodes; one son: Sylvester Rhodes Jr. (Eugene) of Arizona; five daughters of Arizona: Kiyoko Cole, Kwinn Rhodes, Kirene Gilder, Krishe Rhodes, Karissa Kim; Five bonus sons: Corey Samson, Erick Samson, Shalaby Cole, Patrick Gilder Sr., Daniel Kim; sixteen grandchildren, one great-grandchildren; three sisters of Arizona: Jacqueline Fifer, Barbara Rhodes, Cynthia Carr (Fletcher) and a host of family and friends.
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