Stephen John Rhodes
December 20, 1951 ~ January 16, 2023
Stephen John Rhodes
Stephen, better known as Steve passed away on January 16, 2023 after a brief illness. Steve was born in Cumberland, MD during a snowstorm and grew up in Silver Spring, MD. For the past 43 years he called Colorado home where he lived with his longtime partner, Diane. He attended the University of Maryland and was forever a Maryland Terrapin and always rooted for the Terrapins Basketball team. College Basketball was a lifelong passion—even as a young boy hiding under the blanket in bed late at night with a transistor radio, listening to broadcasts of college basketball games from California. Steve had a passion for all sports including the English Premier Soccer league, professional tennis, NCAA Basketball, college lacrosse, little league world series baseball, women’s college softball world series, and of course, the Washington Redskins, now the Commanders. He also loved Colorado local teams including the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Rockies, the Colorado Avalanche and many area college teams.
After 38 years of service, with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (plus earlier service at Capital BC BS), Steve retired in August, 2017. Steve and Diane celebrated by driving to Nebraska later that month to experience their first Solar Eclipse. His other passions included history, traveling and music including classical and early Rock and Roll, especially Jethro Tull and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. Southwestern Art, actually everything about the Southwest, especially the cuisine, were among his favorites. And when asked if he wanted green or red chile, his answer was always “Christmas.”
Steve enjoyed traveling with Diane the most; they saw the world together, including most of the western National Parks, England, France, and most of the US. He kept fit by playing tennis, riding his bike, and using his workout room at home. Tent camping, hiking, and landscaping also interested him. And he was an avid reader, especially American and English History and Science and was even known as the human Google to some.
He is survived by his partner of 31 years, Diane Peitz; mother, Rene Rhodes; brother, Guy (Valerie) Rhodes of Davidson, MD; nephew, Christopher Rhodes; niece Allie (Hunter) Roof, and great niece, Elena Roof; his aunt Bette Bailey and many cousins. His father John E. Rhodes preceded him in death. Steve will be laid to rest at the Fairmont Cemetery in Denver on February 6, 2023.
Viewing at 10 to 11a.m. In the Little Pine Chapel at Fairmont Cemetery, with a Graveside Service at 11a.m.
I worked with Steve for many years at Blue Cross Blue Shield; What a great guy and a great loss. I am so sorry. Jan McCusker
Thank you!
Steve was a manager of mine at BC-BS for many years. He was patient, kind and was a positive influence in my life. I am saddened by his passing and he will be missed.
Steve was a manager of mine at BC-BS for many years. I remember him as patient and kind. He was a positive influence in my life. I am saddened by his passing. He will be missed and remembered with fondness.
So sorry to hear about this. I worked with Steve for many years right across the aisle from each other. What a great guy.
Steve was a great colleague but a greater person. As a born and raised TaoseƱo, Steve and I would talk all things northern New Mexico. His deep appreciation of northern New Mexico cuisine and culture was evident – from Christmas chili to Casa Benavides. Steve lit up every time he spoke of Taos and Santa Fe.
Diane, I am deeply sorry for your loss (lo siento mucho). Wishing you peace, comfort, courage at this time of sorrow.
Diane, I just heard about Steve's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss and to have lost track of you two. Steve was a great guy and always had good sense of humor and patience (needed in that business).