Edward W. Rhodes, Jr. 69, of Tolland, died Monday, April 22, 2013 after a 17 month battle with prostate cancer. Ed was born in Hartford to Edward and Ellen (Ivemy) Rhodes. Raised in Wethersfield, he was a graduate of Wethersfield High School and Watkinson. Ed was a U.S. Air Force Veteran. As a young boy Ed joined the Col John Chester Fife and Drum Corps, and so began his lifelong love of ancient snare drumming. He was a long time member of the Nathan Hale Fife and Drum Corps of Coventry. Before retiring due to his illness, Ed worked in the offset printing field for over 40 years. Ed leaves his wife, Roberta of Tolland. He is also survived by his dear children, Daniel (Faith) of Vermont, Brenna (Todd) Napolitano of Manchester and Thomas of Tolland. He also leaves his beloved grandsons, Aric, Daniel, Cameron, Silas and Breckin Rhodes of Vermont. Ed will also be remembered by his sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and great nephews and great niece. He will be greatly missed. At the end of his illness Ed, at last, joined his parents; brother Bob; son Eddie and daughter Cara. The family wishes to thank the staff at Riverside Center for Health and Rehabilitation for their kind, compassionate care. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 6 to 8 PM on Monday, April 29, 2013 at the Tolland Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Merrow Rd. (Rte. 195) Tolland, CT 06084. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at St. Bernard's Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville, CT 06066. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family