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Gerald "Jerry" Rhodes, 91, Altoona, took his final flight and had a safe landing at his final home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday. Born in Altoona, he was the son of the late Clair and Edith (Rummel) Rhodes.
On Feb. 1, 1957, he married the love of his life, Ramona Stombaugh, who preceded him in death on Nov. 22, 2018.
He is survived by a sister, Linda (Dale) Rhodes of Philipsburg; four children: Susan (Bryan) Cox of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Robert (Karen) Rhodes of Port Matilda; Pamela (Dave) Elliott of Hollidaysburg; and Kimberly Kane of Altoona; nine grandchildren: Kelsey (David) May, Alex Elliott, Meghan (Zac) Imler, Brittany (Sean) Barazotto, Kristen (Kody) Smeltz, Emily Myers, Kylie Kane, Trae Kane and Brayden Kane; seven great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Matthew Barazotto, Luca and Madilyn Imler, Hallie and Bryson Smeltz and Nina May.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Mayer; and granddaughter, Bonnie Jean DeFrancesco.
Jerry was a graduate of Altoona High School, Class of 1952.
He served in the United States Marine Corps stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Jerry retired from Bell Telephone in 1991 after 30 years of service.
He was a charter member of Grace Family Bible Church, where he served in various areas of ministry.
Jerry was an avid pilot and enjoyed 30 years of landing in airports of 25 different states.
Jerry lived for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always there to help each and every one as needed. He will be dearly missed by his family and the many friends he made in all walks of life.
Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona; and from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the funeral home, with Pastor James A. Zaebst officiating. Full Military Honors will follow, conducted by The Blair County Honor Guard.
Burial will be held privately at Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.
If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jerry to: Grace Family Bible Church, 2243 Mill Road, Duncansville, PA 16635.
thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com