Anthony Rodes Obituary

Anthony L. Rodes

Charleston - Anthony L. Rodes, 99, a World War II veteran who lived in Charleston, South Carolina, died on March 18, 2026. Mr. Rodes passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife of 69 years, Demetra (Jennie), and extended family.

Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on May 9, 1926 to parents Louis and Calliope, Mr. Rodes graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1943 and from the College of Engineering at Northeastern University in 1951. Mr. Rodes later received an MBA, also from Northeastern.

Drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1944, Mr. Rodes served in combat in the European Theater with the 75th "Trailblazer" Division. After V-E Day, Mr. Rodes was promoted to Tech Sargeant in the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, completing his military service at regimental headquarters in Europe. Upon his return Stateside after the war, Mr. Rodes became a recreational pilot.

From 1951 until his retirement in 1991, Mr. Rodes was employed by the General Electric Company in its Aircraft Engine Division, where his work ranged from jet engine testing to jet engine program management to GEAE's federal contracting liaison to international regional airline relationship management. He ended his 39 year career with a four year assignment in Greece organizing and co-running a GE venture capital business.

Mr. Rodes married Jennie Papuchis in 1957. He and his wife were active in the development of several Greek Orthodox parishes, including St. George's in Bethesda, Maryland, and St. Mark's in Boca Raton, Florida. Mr. Rodes is survived by his wife; his son Leonard and his wife Deborah; his daughter Cali-Ann Spyropoulos and her husband Demetri; his six grandchildren, Perry Spyropoulos, Antonia Rodes McMonigle, Alexandra Spyropoulos Carter, Katherine Rodes Hawks, Anthony Spyropoulos and Dean Spyropoulos; and six great-children.

Visitation will be held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 28 Race St., Charleston, South Carolina from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on March 25, 2026, followed immediately by a Funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. A Trisagion service will be held at 1:30 pm. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412.

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