Rhoads

Robert R. “Posey” Rhoads, 63, of Slippery Rock, passed away Thursday surrounded by loved ones at his home.

He was born in Mercer, Mercer County, on April 26, 1949, to Virginia “Ginny” McConnell Rhoads and Ralph Rhoads.

From Posey’s adolescence on, it was apparent he had a gift for helping others. He truly made a positive impact on everyone. From coaching Slippery Rock University (SRU) men to Rock Solid girls or managing young adults at the university, he mentored kids to be the best they could be on and off the court. He was a loving, caring husband and father; an amazing brother, uncle, co-worker, teammate and friend. Posey’s heart touched and affected people in a way only he was capable.

He began his basketball career at Mercer High School, graduating in 1967. He led his team to two state titles in 1966 and 1967. He was referred to as “one of the most prolific scoring machines ever to grace the basketball courts of Mercer County.” In 1997, he was inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame.

Following high school, Posey graduated from Wake Forest University where he had a successful basketball career and won the Scholar Athlete Award in 1971. He earned his master’s degree from SRU.

From 1973 to 1977 Posey played professional basketball for the Australian National Club in Melbourne, and he was the league’s leading scorer in 1975 and a top 10 scorer every season.

His professional career encompassed many things including being the coordinator of student standards and manager of the Student Union at SRU. His true passion was coaching. He coached for the New Zealand women’s national team, Thiel College, SRU, and Slippery Rock High School. He finished his career as the director of intramural sports at SRU and the eighth grade girls’ basketball coach at Slippery Rock Middle School.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda (Hale) Rhoads of Slippery Rock; three daughters, Jence, Karly, and Kourtney; mother, Virginia “Ginny” Rhoads of Mercer; sister, Lynda Cielieska (Bob) of Dearborn, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.

RHOADS — Family and friends of Robert R. “Posey” Rhoads, who passed away Thursday, April 18, 2013, will gather to celebrate his life at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Slippery Rock Middle School Gym, Kiester Road, Slipper Rock, PA 16057.Family will be available to meet friends immediately following the gathering.Memorial contributions may be given to Posey Rhoads Scholarship Fund, in care of Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057.Arrangements are entrusted to the Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St. Slippery Rock, PA 16057.