Bernard "Dusty" Thomas Rhodes

Bernard “Dusty” Thomas Rhodes

Good Friend to All -

Bernard “Dusty” Thomas Rhodes, age 86, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Harrisburg and Gettysburg, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2018.  Dusty was born Friday, November 6, 1931 in Philadelphia to the late Allan J. Rhodes and Catherine M. (Flanagan) Rhodes.  In addition to his parents, Dusty is preceded in death by his brother, Allan J. Rhodes.

Dusty’s survivors include his wife of 32 years, Phyllis Kay (Yohn) Rhodes; his son, Brian Thomas Rhodes and his fiancé, Lynn Smolizer, of Mechanicsburg; his sister, Catherine “Cathy” S. Beattie and her husband, John, of Hatboro, PA; his sister-in-law, June Rhodes of Philadelphia, PA; his eight nieces and nephews: Allan J. Rhodes and his wife, Regina, of Philadelphia, PA, Bridget Brennan and her husband, James, of New Hope, PA, Gregory Rhodes and his wife, Mary, of Chandler, AZ, Patrick Rhodes and his wife, Lora, of Cherry Hill, NJ, John H. Beattie, Jr. and his wife, Lynn, of Henderson, NV, Siena Healy and her husband, James, of Hatboro, PA, Mary-Kate Sullivan and her husband, David, of Perkasie, PA, Thomas Beattie and his wife, Joanne, of Manheim, PA; and his faithful canine companion, Bella.

Dusty graduated from Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia where he participated in the Olympic Trials and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame for swimming.  He retired from the Pennsylvania State Police in 1991, after 33 years of service working as a trooper.  During that time, he served on the Governor’s Protection Detail and provided protection for five governors.  Dusty also proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.  He was a member of VFW Memorial Post 6704 in Mechanicsburg and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).  Dusty was an avid collector of many things and enjoyed going to auctions, flea markets, and sales.  He was an animal lover that held a special place in his heart for dogs.  Most importantly, Dusty was a loving father, husband, and brother as well as a good friend to all.

Dusty’s family will be remembering his life privately.  Interment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville will be at the family’s convenience.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Dusty’s life can be made to the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111-5417, www.HumaneSocietyHbg.org or to Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue, P.O. Box 30821, Bethesda, MD 20824, www.CockerSpanielRescue.com/Donate.

Dusty’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Dusty’s full obituary, view his picture, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.