Dustin E. Rhodes

YORK Dustin Evan Rhodes, 29, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, surrounded by family and friends at York Hospital. Dustin bravely fought glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a severely aggressive form of brain cancer for 8 months. He was born on March 11, 1984, to his surviving parents, Keith Rhodes and Regina (Smith) Rhodes Krout. He is also survived by his brother Dillon Rhodes, his half-brothers John Krout and Shane St. Onge, and half- sister, Jill Brown. He will lovingly be missed by his grandparents, Josephine Smith, Hollis "Dusty" Rhodes, Ann Billings Rhodes, Bobbi Rhodes, and stepfather, John Krout as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He married his high school sweetheart Rebecca (Russo) on August 11, 2007 whom he met while running cross country and who stood by his side throughout his entire battle. On March 27, 2012, Dustin and Rebecca welcomed their beloved son, Michael Alexander, who always was his inspiration. Dustin grew up in York, attending Saint Joseph York Elementary School and graduated in 2002 from York Catholic High School, where he was salutatorian, highly active in cross country, tennis, track, and community service. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Marywood University in 2006. He was always active with tennis, cross country, the Democrat Club, writing and editing for the Wood Word school newspaper among many other activities too numerous to list. He shared a special bond with his teammates who fondly called him "Dusty" and "the American Dream." Dustin grew so much spiritually with his Marywood, YC, and Saint Joe's family. Dustin always served others wherever he was. He deeply believed no matter where you are in your life, you are capable of helping others in some shape or form and was deeply impacted by his service trips to Guatemala and Chinle, Arizona. Dustin earned his Juris Doctor in 2011 from the University of Florida - Levin College of Law. He had worked at Hoffman Homes for the Youth in Gettysburg, was a Sunday school teacher at Holy Faith Catholic Church in Gainesville, Florida as well as St. Louis Catholic Church in Tallahassee, Fla., and was a law clerk for the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee, Fla. Dustin lived to run. He loved his Gulf Winds Track Club and ran in his 1st and only marathon, the Tallahassee Marathon in 2012, along with completing 71.439 miles in the Hinson Lake 24 Hour Ultra Marathon Classic 2012. Dustin always enjoyed reading the Bible, trying new foods, travelling to the beach, hiking and running trails, and reading bed time stories to Michael. Michael was a true blessing in his time of need and would always make him smile no matter what was going on. Dustin's strong faith in both God and others carried him through and allowed him to have a positive impact on so many people throughout the world. He was humbled to be able to help so many in a multitude of ways and led an exemplary life, one we can only strive to be a fraction like. He will always be loved and missed dearly, but his faith and memory will live on in us all. A viewing with a eulogy will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Saint Joseph Parish of York, located at 2945 Kingston Road, York, PA 17402. A mass of Christian burial will be held in his honor on Monday at 10 a.m. with a short viewing prior. Burial at Mount Rose Cemetery in York will follow. There will be a short commemorative jog at the cemetery to complete Dustin's journey for those who wish to participate so bring sneakers. Afterwards there will be a reception at Saint Joseph's auditorium. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the family to defray expenses; Rebecca Rhodes, P.O. Box 14, Dallastown, PA 17313-0014. The John W. Keffer Fuenral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 902 Mt. Rose Ave., is assisting the family. www.KefferFH.com