June 15, 1943 -— May 13, 2026
Beloved husband and father, Fred Rhodes, 82, died peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on May 13 at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.
Born in Allentown, NJ on June 15, 1943, to William H. and Ruth (Cosby) Rhodes, Fred’s family moved to Princeton, where he resided until marriage to his High School Sweetheart, Nancy Lee Diaforli, on June 25, 1966.
Fred welcomed his only son, Fred C., Jr. (Ted) on December 15, 1974. Known for his deep devotion as a loving father, a lifelong bond was forged, creating countless years of wonderful family memories and experiences. Fred was Ted’s hero, mentor and confidante.
Throughout the years, Fred graciously dealt with health issues. Ted was always there to support his Dad with an unsurpassed sensitivity, as a young boy, that continued throughout their lives. In 2011, Ted married his beautiful Amanda (Mandi) Poth. Fred welcomed his “cherished little sweetheart”, as he calls her, and a deep and loving relationship was born, bringing more love and happiness over the next 15 years.
Fred was a life member of Princeton Elks Lodge 2129 where he served for many years in varying Officer and services roles.
Predeceased by his brother William H. Rhodes, Jr. (Barbara), Fred is survived by his wife, Nancy Lee (Diaforli) Rhodes, son and daughter-in-law, Ted and Mandi Rhodes, his very devoted and cherished sister-in-law, Judy Davison, nephews; Douglas (Teri), Kenneth (Cindy), William (Cindy) and their families and his devoted dogs; (the late) Cody and (the late) Jaxy and Cai and Gus. Also survived by beloved longtime best friends (the late) Sgt. John Hammond and Helen Hammond and many loving nieces and nephews. A very grateful family wishes to acknowledge Fred’s extraordinary and most caring and devoted Caregiver, Clement.
Memorial donations, in his memory, to Breakthrough T1D or JDRF Diabetes Foundation.
Visiting hours are Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 2 pm to 4:30 pm at Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. Funeral services will begin at 4:30 pm with Rev. Paul Jeanes, III officiating.
Burial will be private at a future date.
