Robert "Bob" Spangler Rhoades

It is with deep sorrow that we announce that Robert (Bob) Spangler Rhoades passed away in his home on May 5, 2025. He was born November 7, 1942 and lived most of his life in Pittsburgh from growing up in Churchill with his parents Charles and Catherine, two brothers (who all precede him in death) and his sister (still living) and finally settling in Forest Hills with his beloved wife of 42 years, Katheen. He joined IBM out of college, and quickly rose to prominence as a pioneer in plant floor automation in steel, glass, and automotive factories across the Midwest. Later, he broke away from the corporate world to start his own series of progressively more successful businesses culminating with ACR, a Systems Engineering firm.

A man of boundless talents from the creative woodworking, poetry, photography, and cooking to mathematics, trivia, and computer system engineering. He possessed a sharp mind, effortlessly completing the New York Times crossword puzzle in pen, could give most a run for their money at Jeopardy, and often did take your money if you played him in Pool He was a friend of Scouting and dedicated to its service as both an Eagle Scout and leader. At any family gathering one might find him with a glass of a good red and a hand of cards. At home one might find him with his feet up on the recliner, warm brandy in hand and either a Clint Eastwood movie, a boxing match, or of course, the Steelers game.

His favorite color was blue but his spirit seldom was. He lived life trusting fully and loving deeply claiming his proudest achievements were as a husband, father, and grandfather.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Kathleen, his son Sean, daughter-in-law Toolika and their son Rahul, as well as his daughter, Catherine, son-in-law Chris Hall and their children Nicholas, Justin and Vivian. His bond with his family was central to his life, and their fond memories of him will forever be treasured.

Friends welcome on Friday May 9th in Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112, (412) 824-8800 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm. A memorial luncheon will be held at 1:00 pm May 17th at Roman Bistro at 2104 Ardmore Blvd, Forest Hills, PA (412-871-3704). Must RSVP by Thursday May 15th by following this link or email the family.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to help plant a tree (arborday).