Gary Stephen Rhodes, Jr.

Gary Stephen Rhodes, Jr., 60, passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 20, 2026, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Beth, and children, Matthew and Rachel Rhodes.

To those who knew him, Gary was a force to be reckoned with. He was strong, resilient, and, to his family, seemingly invincible. Throughout his sixty years, he endured more than his share of hardship, but somehow he continued to find ways to bring laughter and happiness to the people around him. He enjoyed tournament fishing in his younger years and more recently, driving through the Saratoga Battlefield with his dog, Sierra. Above all, Gary will be remembered for his sense of humor and his ability to make people smile. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and make them laugh, and he had a way of turning even difficult moments into opportunities for a joke or a smile. Even in his final hours, surrounded by the people who loved him, he was still cracking jokes and trying to make his family smile through the tears.

He was especially devoted to his family. One memory Rachel will always carry with her is of her father picking her up from school during a particularly difficult time with chronic illness. Instead of simply taking her home, he turned the afternoon into a joyride by blasting music from her favorite bands, learning the words, and singing and dancing along in an effort to make her laugh. It was one of countless ways he showed his love: by reminding the people he cared about that there was still something to smile about.

His family is grateful for the years they were given with him and takes comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain. They are also grateful for his friends for being there for him through the difficult times. Though his absence leaves an enormous hole in their lives, his laughter, his stories, his music, and the happiness he brought to others will live on in the people who knew and loved him.

Rest easy, Dad. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.