Robert S. Rhodes

Robert Sander Rhodes passed away on February 28, 2024, at the age of 82.

He was the beloved husband of Paula (nee Wilder) for 58 years and loving father to Robert H Rhodes (Staci) and David B Rhodes (Lisa). He is survived by a brother Barry Rhodes and a sister Debra Rhodes Smith  (William Simpson Smith), and five grandchildren. Bob will be remembered as a lifelong student and teacher with a quiet demeanor, quick wit, and sense of humor.

He attended college at Cornell University, completed medical school at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate in Syracuse NY, and served in the Air Force. In 1980 Bob joined the faculty at CWRU and was Chief of the Division of General Surgery where he taught surgical residents, conducted research,  became certified in vascular surgery, and was active in local, regional, and national medical organizations.

In 1988 Bob became Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, MS. He expanded his interests with a Robert Woods Johnson award to study Health Care Finance in Baltimore MD. Bob worked with the American College of Surgeons developing policies relating to care of patients with   hepatitis B and HIV/AIDs as well as with the Attorney General of Mississippi to initiate lawsuits against tobacco companies on the adverse effects of smoking and its role in causing peripheral vascular disease.

In 1995 Bob became Associate Executive Director of the American Board of Surgery in Philadelphia where there was the opportunity to effect standards of practice through the administration of exams for Board Certification. He remained there until his retirement.

For 25 years he served on the volunteer Board of Director of UU House Outreach, a non-profit organization providing free support to older adults in Northwest Philadelphia. Bob enjoyed being with his family and friends, playing golf, tennis, and bridge, model ship building, book clubs, sailing, and traveling. He will be missed by many. 

Donations to his memory can be made to:

UUH Outreach Program

ATTN: Sara Popkin, MSW, LSW, Executive Director,

22 W. Rittenhouse St., 1^st floor,

Philadelphia PA 19144

The family plans a private memorial.