Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

August 3, 1950 - December 14, 2019

Rhodes, Manuel Eugene, age 69, died December 14, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Anna M. Jackson, daughter, Shelby Rhodes of Chester, New Jersey (son-in-law Mark S. Hartmann Jr), brothers, Edwardo Rhodes of Bloomington, Indiana and Ernesto Rhodes of Midland Texas, and sister Teresita Snyder and her husband Christopher Snyder of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and friend Celeste Burbridge of Pittsburgh. He was preceded in death by his mother, Efiginia Rhodes Tirado, his father Joseph Sr., his brother, Joseph Jr, and half-brother Kenneth Seals. Manuel was born August 3, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Efiginia L. Rhodes and Joseph Rhodes, Sr. He grew up in the Homewood/Brushton area of Pittsburgh and his youth was characterized by a keen intellect, boundless energy, and a playful nature. He attended Lemington Elementary School where he was an officer of the safety patrol. He then attended Westinghouse High school where he began his lifelong involvement with sports by running on the cross-country team and his lifelong passion for tennis. During high school Manuel participated in the Student United Nations (SUN). Also, in high school, Manuel continued his study of the clarinet and, like his brothers, was a member of All City High School Orchestra. During high school Manuel became interested in progressive philosophy and politics. He then attended Harvard University where he majored in East Asian Studies. He was a member of Adams House, which was his brother Joseph’s house as well. At Harvard he pursued his love for racquet sports, playing squash during the school year and tennis during the summers at home. After college he pursued various interests including working for a pharmaceutical company, owning/managing Pittsburgh’s most popular black night club in the early 80’s, teaching tennis, and helping manage his parents’ real estate business. Manuel was always an energetic thinker and entrepreneur. He eventually attended the University of Pittsburgh Law School where his interests were mostly in criminal law. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar on May 17, 1984. After law school he joined the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney where he had an excellent reputation. After the DA’s office Manuel spent several years serving as the General Counsel for the Pittsburgh Housing Authority. During this same period, he provided pro bono services as a legal counsel for the Pittsburgh NAACP. Leaving the Housing Authority Manuel went into private legal practice focusing on criminal law. Most recently he spent his time maintaining the properties he shared with Anna Jackson. When we look at an aged warrior it is hard to see the glorious man at the height of his prime of many decades ago. Manuel E. Rhodes was truly that glorious man who shined with intelligence, vigor, and wit in his youth. His spirit goes on to shine forever in all our hearts.

A Memorial Service, a celebration of life, will be held at the Kingsley Center, 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206, phone: 412-661-8751. Service will open at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2020. The formal program will be immediately followed by a brief repast.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the charity of your choice in Manuel’s name. If you so which, the family can be notified of such in care of Shelby Rhodes, 23 Old Farmstead Rd, Chester, N.J. 07930.