Sydney M. Rhea

RHEA, Sydney At rest, July 21, 2003, Sydney M. Rhea. Born September 26, 1921 in Littleton, CO to Harold B. Rhea & Violette (Pfaff) Rhea. Syd was graduated from Littleton High School in 1940 and then attended Western State College where he majored in music. He joined the U.S. Marines in June, 1942 and served until October 1945. His tour of duty included New Zealand, and offensive operations on several islands of the South Pacific, i.e. Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Tinian, and Saipan. On September 6, 1948 he married Roxann Jane Flora. He obtained a B.A. degree from Colorado College and an M.A. degree in social work from the University of Denver. He worked his entire career of 34 years as a social worker for the Denver Public Schools. In 1964 he was appointed Supervisor of the Social Work Department and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1983; member of the National Association of Social Workers, Field Instructor for the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work; served on the Denver Child Protection Team from its inception in 1975 until 1983; Executive Secretary of the Pupil Assistance Fund 1964-1983; member Denver Teacher's Club. Syd enjoyed skiing and bicycling, and was a member of the National Ski Patrol and a ski instructor at Berthoud Pass from 1968 to 1978. He is survived by his wife Roxann, daughter Shannon Nelson and husband Fred, of Arroyo Grande, CA; sons Bradford Rhea and wife Julie, of Merino, CO; and Steven Rhea of Louisville, CO; brother Kenneth Rhea and wife Gwen of Santa Cruz, CA; three granddaughters, one grandson, and two nieces and two nephews. Memorial Service Friday, 9:30 a.m. at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 So. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO. Interment at Fort Logan National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either Denver Public Schools Pupil Assistance Fund, 900 Grant St., Denver, CO 80203 or Brentwood Methodist Church, 1899 So. Irving, Denver, CO 80219.