Robert E. Rhode passed away at his home in Freehold Township on Friday, October 31, 2025, surrounded in the love of his family. Bob was 91 years old.

Born in Jersey City on October 25, 1934, to the late Helen and John Rhode, he resided in Jersey City where he met and married the love of his life, Jean M. Lee Rhode, in 1955. Bob and Jean lived in Germany during his time in service and they enjoyed traveling Europe together. Jean and Robert returned and went on to have three daughters JudeAnne, Jeanne and Darlene. Bob resided in the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township for many years and retired to New Egypt before moving to Freehold in April 2024.

Mr. Rhode was employed as Senior Product Line Developer with ITT-DCD for 20 years prior to his retirement in 2001.

He was a Communicant of The Church of the Assumption in New Egypt.

Bob was a communicant of the Church of the Assumption in New Egypt; belonged to the Don Bosco Council #5809, Knights of Columbus, Port Reading; and was a charter member of the Port Reading First Aid Squad.

Bob enjoyed vacationing with his children and grandchildren on Disney Land and Sea Cruises, Baltic Cruise, and the Mediterranean Cruise which was his personal favorite visiting the home of the Blessed Mother in Turkey, and a trip to Hawaii.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jean M. Lee Rhode, in 2023; grandchildren, Joseph, Robert, Julia and Dominic DiSanto, in 1999; sister, Mary Conklin, in 2014; and brother, Jack Rhode, in 2002.

Surviving are his loving daughters, Jude Anne Pak of Freehold, Jeanne DiSanto of Colonia and Darlene Zawada of New Egypt; grandchildren, Hanna Lee, Meghan, BreAnne, Makayla, and Makenzie Pak, Rachel and Bianca DiSanto and Dylan, Colin and Kirsten Zawada; and cherished great grandchildren, James Robert Zawada, Luke, Amelia and Micah Lee.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 11:00 from Costello-Koyen Funeral Home (costello-koyen.com), 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, Avenel. Interment will be in Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia. Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org), the ASPCA (aspca.org) or to a local animal shelter in Mr. Rhode's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.