WESTFIELD – Former Westfield Mayor John J. Rhodes, Jr., 70, passed away suddenly July 7 at his home in Van Buren, Arkansas.
Rhodes, Mayor of Westfield from 1974-1977, was also the city’s solicitor. He was a graduate of Westfield High School Class of 1963 and attended Springfield College before joining the United States Marine Corps. and served his country in Vietnam.
Rhodes’ wife Carol said he was outgoing and often struck-up conversations with strangers.
“He would talk to anyone, anywhere,” she said. “He loved people.”
He also loved the people of Westfield.
“He enjoyed being with the residents and being out in the public,” said Rhodes.
As mayor, Rhodes said her husband did his best for the community.
“He did right by the police department and teachers when it came to contract negotiations,” she said. “He wanted to effect positive change.”
When not serving the public, the former mayor could be found on fields and courts.
“He loved sports,” said Rhodes. “He coached football at the University of Maine and Western New England College as well as coaching football and wrestling at Westfield High. He loved playing racquet ball at the YMCA – and pick-up basketball. He was definitely fitness-oriented.”
Rhodes said her husband was proud of the city.
Rhodes leaves his wife of 42 years Carol, a son, Matthew and a daughter, Kathryn.
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