Sylvan Ditmer Rhoads
December 27, 1922 — March 2, 2017
Sylvan “Red” Ditmer Rhoads
A Kind-hearted and Generous Man -
Sylvan “Red” Ditmer Rhoads, age 94, of Carlisle, and formerly of Alinda, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Sylvan was born on Wednesday, December 27, 1922 in Mechanicsburg to the late Island Rhoads and Minnie F. (Scheibner) Rhoads. In addition to his parents, Sylvan is preceded in death by his four siblings: Violet Catzman, LeVance “Jim” Rhoads, Alda Stoner, and Carroll “Bud” Rhoads.
Sylvan’s survivors include his loving brother, Merle Rhoads and his wife, Millie, of Ickesburg; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved feline companion, Maggie.
Sylvan graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1942. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army who served during World War II. Sylvan retired from Mechanicsburg Ships Parts Control Center, after many years of service working as an allowance specialist. He was a member of Young’s United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #109, and the Whirl-A-Ways, all of Mechanicsburg. Sylvan loved ice skating, which he was very talented at and did his whole life. During the winter, if he wasn’t skating, Sylvan could be found sledding with his siblings. He was a kind-hearted and generous man who would help anyone in need; his family will miss him dearly.
All are welcome to join Sylvan’s family at his viewing on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Robert V. Bishard, Jr. officiating.
Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Enola, where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard.
Sylvan’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Sylvan’s full obituary, view his portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Buhrig.com .