Heath Edward Rhoads

Heath Edward Rhoads, 45, passed away peacefully in his sleep from Frontotemporal Dementia on September 13, 2020 at Paramount Senior Living in Maytown.  Heath graduated from Cedar Cliff High School in 1993 where he played football for the Colts and was dubbed the ‘Myth Master” for his amazing knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in Geoenvironmental Science from Shippensburg University where he met his future wife Kim.  He made many friends and engaged in numerous shenanigans as one must do in college before being thrust unwillingly into adulthood.

“It’s not the years, honey, it’s the mileage.” - Indiana Jones
Heath covered a lot of mileage during his short life. Although he was terrified of heights, his wife and his best friend, Greg, convinced him to ride his first roller coaster at the age of 27.  After that, Heath rode more than 600 roller coasters across North America and Europe. He would plan trips where they could ride roller coasters, check out a craft brewery, and see an old movie on 35mm film.  Heath made many friends and drank many tasty craft beers along the way. He also loved all movies; his video collection is unbelievable.  Heath did a great Sean Connery impersonation, and his singing "Party in the USA" as Arnold Schwarzenegger was unforgettable.  He adopted his wife’s philosophy of “Do what you can, while you can; you never know what life is going to throw at you.” Well, life certainly threw something! 

Heath is survived by his wife of 19 years, Kimberly (Lambert); her parents Connie and Dave Lambert, brother-in-law Dave (Erin) Lambert, and sister-in-law Tracey Lambert, who did everything they could to support Kim and Heath while they were battling this horrible disease.  He is also survived by his nephew Eric, whose dry humor he loved and who made him proud when he joined the Air Force; niece Abby, who made him laugh, even in the late stages of dementia with her Facetime calls and silly faces; nephews Xander and Jack, who loved to play with him, especially when he “lost” and numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by Kim’s grandparents, Verna Sheaffer and Dean and Doris Mantis, three adorable Great Aunts, and Cousin Tommy who could never convince Heath to stay at his cabin because, bears. 

Heath is survived by his parents Bruce and Vicki (Wengert) Rhoads; sister Hilary (Chris) Magaro and niece Olivia - who shared his love for Star Wars, Marvel movies and Transformers; grandparents Charlotte and Kenneth Wengert - who enjoyed taking walks with Heath and eating lots of Shuey’s pretzels and donuts; Uncle Samuel Wengert and cousins Sam (Mandy), Benjamin and Isaac; Aunt Stacey and Uncle Doug Patterson and cousins Shane (Christina) and Travis. He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Bruce and Vivian Rhoads, Sr. 

All our families will miss Heath’s charm, good nature, and hearty laugh.

Heath also leaves behind his circle of friends from Cedar Cliff, Ship, Flotown, Vanguard, the American Coaster Enthusiasts, Team D(r)INK, and Ocean Club. 

We end this peek into Heath’s life with a heartfelt thank you to Heath’s caregiving teams at Paramount Senior Living and Grane Hospice. They were his family, especially during the past 6 months of the COVID19 restrictions and over 3 months on hospice. Everyone took great care of his needs, as unique as they were. He received a lot of love and attention from his caregiving team as well as some of the resident ladies- Heath was the source of quite a bit of gossip. If Heath wasn’t stretched across the couch, you would often find him snatching people’s drinks and desserts, ditching his neck brace in odd locations, pinching cheeks, playing thumb war, or giving staff a fist bump or handshake. Heath’s caregivers at Paramount Senior Living and Grane Hospice kept Kim sane when things were getting dicey and provided comfort throughout his time on hospice, especially during his final days.

He loved you all. CHEERS!

A private service will be held once COVID19 restrictions on gatherings are loosened. Donations may be made in Heath’s memory to Grane Hospice of Harrisburg at 1200 Camp Hill Bypass, Suite 205 Camp Hill, PA 17011.

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