Gene Kenneth "Geno" Rhody, 80, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Wednesday at home with his wife, six children and family by his side.

Born in Joliett, Sept. 26, 1937, he was a son of the late Eugene and Lila Bendigo Rhody.

He was the loving husband of Mary M. Hanney Rhody.

Geno was an Army Reservist and retired from the Garden State Tannery in Fleetwood after 40 years of employment.

He was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.

Gene was a Little League coach and mentor, and was a member of the Little League Hall of Fame. He was a CYO coach, as well as an avid hunter and trap shooter.

He will be fondly remembered for his laugh and welcoming smile.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harold "Hal" Rhody.

In addition to his wife, Geno is survived by four sons, Michael Rhody and wife, Laura, Andrew Rhody and wife, Eileen, Robert Rhody and wife, Michelle, and Thomas Rhody and wife, Kimberly; two daughters, Barbara Doyle and husband, John, and Linda Fryer and husband, Rick, as well as 18 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Ralph Rhody, and David "Sam" Rhody, and nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, with. Monsignor Edward S. Zemanik officiating. There will be no calling hours at the church prior to Mass. At the family's request, donations in Geno's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, South Central PA Chapter, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or St. Ambrose Church Memorial Fund, 201 Randel St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. To extend online condolences, visit www.gsesfuneralhomes.com. Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with arrangements.