VAN BUREN, AR: Former Westfield Mayor, John J. Rhodes, Jr., passed away on July 7th at the age of 70. John was born in P
ortland, ME on May 7, 1945 to John J. Rhodes and Elaine (Dasakis) Rhodes, John lived most of his life in Westfield. He played football and wrestled for Westfield High School, graduated in 1963 and, after a year at Springfield College, enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he graduated as Outstanding Marine from Parris Island and served a tour in Vietnam from 1966-67. Upon coming home, he played football for the University of Maine, and then went onto graduate school at Westfield State College for a Master’s Degree in Secondary School Administration, as well as a Master’s in Criminal Justice. He and his wife, Carol, were married in 1973 and had two children, Matthew and Kathryn. Early in his professional career, he was a teacher and coach in the Westfield Public Schools, and then went to Western New England College and earned a Juris Doctorate. Throughout his career, he served as Westfield’s Mayor, City Solicitor, Prosecutor and on the Governor’s Counsel on Criminal Justice enacted by Governor Dukakis. He was a long-standing member and supporter of the American Legion and the YMCA.
He is survived by his wife, L. Carol Rhodes of Van Buren, AR, his son, Matthew Rhodes of Morehead, KY, his daughter, Kathryn Smutnick of Van Buren, AR, his sister Barbara Metro of PA, and nephews Joshua Rhodes of Mechanicsburg, PA and Travis Rhodes of Easton, MA. Visiting hours for John will be held on Saturday from 2-5 PM in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St. Westfield. A Graveside service will be held on Monday at 2PM in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 203 Southampton Rd. Westfield. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any disabled veteran’sfund. www.firtionadams.com
