Daniel Huntington Rhoads, Jr.

Daniel H. Rhoads, Jr., age 78, died April 29, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. Daniel was born on October 21, 1947, in Bayonne, New Jersey to parents Josephine and Daniel Rhoads, Sr. He was raised in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania and graduated from Jersey Shore High School. Daniel attended Lock Haven College in Pennsylvania before joining the US Air Force, where he served as weather support on the flight line at Davis Monthan in Tucson. He graduated with three degrees from the University of Arizona.

Daniel retired from the Arizona Department of Corrections, where a highlight of his career was working as a Training Officer and developing and writing curriculum for the Correctional Academy. Dan was also a firearms instructor who emphasized the responsible use of firearms. Additionally, he taught at Pima Community College and The Cooper Institute.

Dan loved talking about weather and history, reading, traveling, hiking, cooking, eating, and listening to live music. He possessed a strong appreciation and affection for dogs and enjoyed his deep connections with the dog park community at Palo Verde Park..

Dan will be remembered for warrior spirit, overcoming stomach cancer and all the complications it brought. He is also remembered for his enduring friendships for over 50 years with friends Bill Breazeale, Sandy Todd, Willie Horton, Sam and Linda Stouffer, and Lee and Debbie Casuto.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, sister Cathleen Caputo, brother-in-law Paul Kosek, as well as his dogs Winston, Merlin, Nimue, Bridget, and Clancy.

Dan is survived by his “beautiful bride” of nearly 25 years, Melissa Schmit, and his loyal dog Maddox, who surrounded him in love as he passed. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Leo Dincher of Williamsport, PA, and their family as well as the family of his late sister Cathy. Additionally, he is survived by in-laws Michael and Illey Schmit (Arlington, VA); Mary Kosek (Buffalo, NY); Suzanne and Paul Rosenberg (Pittsford, NY); Alexia and Daniel Metschl (Williamsville, NY); Joseph and Donna Schmit (Hamburg, NY); Mark Schmit (Phoenix, AZ), and Maria Schmit and Michael Gurwitz (Silver Spring, MD). Dan leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in North Tonawanda, New York in July. Dan will be interred at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana, accompanied by formal service. Details will be provided as they become available.

Dan’s family would like to extend sincere thanks to the many health care professionals who supported him along the way.

Contributions in Dan’s name may be made to Pima Animal Care Center at https://www.pima.gov/2286/Donate to give every homeless and neglected pet an opportunity for a better life.