Donald E Rhodes

Dr. Donald Esmonde Rhodes passed away Tuesday evening, September 9, 2014 at his home in Lakewood, doing what he loved – working in his garden. Born May 5, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Don attended the Rosemont School of the Holy Child, Malvern Preparatory School and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.

A loving and loyal father, husband and friend, his life was lit from within by his love for his wife, Joy, his Catholic faith and his passion for his chosen career in occupational safety and health. After earning a Certificate in Occupational Safety and a Master’s Degree in Health Science from Cal State Los Angeles and a doctorate in Human Behavior from United States International University, Dr. Don traveled all over the world sharing not only his knowledge of behavior-based safety, but himself as a human being.

Don had a very green thumb. People walking by seeing him working in his garden would stop and compliment him on his beautiful landscaping. Among the many accolades and commendations from the charities and professional organizations he led, he was most proud of the Lakewood Home Beautiful Awards and the Certificate of Outstanding Professor he received from his students at Cal State Los Angeles where he taught safety as an adjunct professor for 13 years.

He expressed his deeply felt Catholic faith by serving as a Eucharistic minister for St. Maria Goretti Church, administering communion to parishioners who were homebound, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered for many years at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center as a chaplain. Dr. Don was a gentle soul with a big heart and a personality to match. He never turned away from a person in need.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Joy Janes, brother Edward, daughters Susan Rhodes (Miguel Caesares) and Margaret Hamilton (David), and son Jerry.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 26 at 1 PM at St. Maria Goretti Church, 3954 Palo Verde, Long Beach, followed by a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Maria Goretti School, the Salvation Army or the Rosemont School of the Holy Child.