Michael D. Rhodes, 75

Michael D. Rhodes, 75, of Oley PA., husband of Joanne (Catania) Rhodes, passed away Wednesday November 13, 2024 at the Reading Hospital.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his sons Ethan Michael Rhodes, husband of Tara Rhodes and Matthew Rhodes as well as his granddaughters Kendall, Ainsley, and River Rhodes.

Mike was the son of the late Pauline Reed.

Mike graduated from Collegeville-Trappe Vo-Tech High School in 1968 and was a proud member of the Army Reserves. He spent most of his adult life residing in Boyertown, PA. He also enjoyed spending his summers in Delaware. He spent his early career as the owner of Rhodes Oldsmobile in Gilbertsville PA. After selling his car dealership in 1986, he became a land developer and entrepreneur. Mike started Builders Supply of Delmarva that same year in Georgetown Delaware, which he proudly co-owned and operated with his son Ethan since 1996.

Mike was a hard-working man who never quit trying to build and create a better life for his family. He was an avid sportfisherman who spent as much time as possible on his boat the “BUSINE$$”. When anyone called the office while he was fishing, they were told he was “out on business”. He without a doubt passed his love of fishing on to his sons and granddaughters. Mike loved his family and friends fiercely and will be remembered by all who knew him as the life of the party and the best storyteller.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday November 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, LLC., 1020 E. Philadelphia Ave., Gilbertsville, PA 19525. Interment will follow at St. Patrik’s Cemetery Mausoleum, Norristown. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9:00-10:45 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to Friendship Hook & Ladder Fire Company, 10 Warwick St., Boyertown, PA 19512.

Add My Condolences

Rip my Freind. I was mikes service mgr at his olds dealer in the 80s. Great guy so so sorry. Say hi to my dear wife Linda I lost her in 2023. I will remember our time together forever. ????

~ Frank Valerio Lake Suzy, FL
12/17/2024 8:11:17 PM

Our most sincere condolences to your family and friends. We are here for you Matty and family
Much love Mama, Big Kev, Cracka , Blaine Lil Kev and Steph

~ Barregarye Famiy
11/19/2024 2:07:20 PM

My condolences to the Rhodes family!! Mike and I become very close he was like a father to me. We would see each there at the hooks and we would kid with each other and laugh together! He will be truely missed … I now will be drinking alone ugh ?? . He was the kindness gentleman that I know. RIP Mike ????????

~ Sandy Oswald Boyertown, PA
11/19/2024 8:48:41 AM

Our condolences to the entire Rhodes Family for your loss.

So many great memories over 25+ years we’ve known Mike personally and professionally. He was larger than life and always had great stories to tell. I’ll never eat at a Hooters again without thinking of Mike!

~ Kevin & Mary Carol Esslinger Havre de Grace, MD
11/18/2024 5:33:01 PM

Our condolences to all of the family .

What a great man to listen to talk about life & business.

First time I meet Mike was on his boat.
Very first time Mike & I spoke about fishing ?? was never give up, the more you try the more you learn. How true Mike was.
Rest in peace Sir.
Thank you for the talks.

~ Dick Ennis Lewes, DE
11/18/2024 8:12:19 AM

To The Rhodes Family,
It has been a number of years since I have seen Mile. I remember meeting him through my dad "Blackjack" when both of our family had houses in the old "Indian Landing" now "Seaside". Also remember the 1st boat named "Busine$$", he and Black had partnered to buy. Lots of good times both in DE. and West Palm Beach.

Rest in peace Mike! (Arr Me Bucko")

Littlejack

~ Jack Strohecker II Halifax, Pa
11/18/2024 7:06:44 AM

I didnt know Mike that well, however when i did meet him, he definitely made me feel like he knew me forever! He was a sweet funny man! Sending prayers for Mike and the entire Rhodes family!!!
RIP MIKE!

~ Michelle wentzel
11/17/2024 8:31:42 PM

My deepest condolences go out to his family. He was a very nice and generous person. He will be truly missed by his Hooks family.

~ Melanie Levan Boyertown, PA
11/17/2024 4:13:09 PM

Warmest thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim Endean & John Lyon

~ Jim Endean Rehoboth Beach, DE
11/17/2024 3:23:54 PM

Sending prayers to the entire Rhodes family for peace during this very difficult time. He was a character and we had many fun times together. I can remember so many crazy stories where he was involved from his days here in Rehoboth with Leslie and Dawn. Also the Hot Air Ballon ride and the day we all spent with him in New Hope. He will be missed for sure. God speed Mike!

~ Sharon Palmer-Stauffer Rehoboth Beach, DE
11/17/2024 3:00:56 PM

My condolences. He was a great inspiration to me. Rest in peace

~ Keith Reitnauer Gilbertsville, PA
11/17/2024 3:00:35 PM

Dear Rhodes Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My deepest sympathies go to the entire family. My thoughts are with you.
Leslie Zweben

~ Leslie ZWEBEN Stuart, FL
11/17/2024 12:09:43 PM

Dear Ethan, Such sad news. We offer our condolences to you and the entire Rhodes family. We are praying for your dad, his family and friends. Sincerely, Dick

~ Lee and Dick Zaragza Rehoboth Beach, DE
11/17/2024 11:44:10 AM

I am saddened to hear this awful news. I was fortunate enough to have met "Big Mike" and he never treated me like an employee but as an extended part of his family. I know he'll be missed by all who knew and loved him. R I P, Mike, Sincerely, LoLo

~ Lois Kopp
11/17/2024 10:53:44 AM

Mike has been my friend since 1975 and I’ll never forget the great times and always valued his friendship. My condolences to the family . What a good guy he was. I’ll miss him

~ Ray Melcher
11/17/2024 10:37:32 AM

We met Mike and Cathy in childbirth classes in 1974; Mike Rhodes and Mike Hanley were the class clowns! We became great friends as well as our children. We have many good memories with Mike; he will be missed! Our hearts and prayers go out to his entire family. Rest in Peace good friend!

~ Mike & Diane Hanley Boyertown, PA
11/16/2024 5:20:19 PM

I'm glad my life has included knowing Mike. I most appreciate him often checking in on me. I will miss him.

~ Jim Watters
11/16/2024 2:37:04 PM