Basil Cromwell Rhoads of Beavery Dams, NY, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Schuyler Hospital at age 84.

Basil taught all his children mechanics, plumbing along with any kind of repairs, he was a very proud father.  He loved life to the fullest and had many hobbies.  He loved stock car racing and raced at Woodhull Raceway mostly.  He was a work-a-holic, working 14-16 hours a day.  He invented and was awarded a Patent for a Stone Gathering Machine on December 8, 1970.  He was a mechanic, in the field, of heavy equipment since 1952.  He also invented a hitch, called the Rhoads Slide, which was an achievement his family was very proud of.

He was a little rough around the edges, he was very bossy, he loved to debate/argue, he was VERY intelligent and usually right.  He loved his family deeply even though every single one of us drove him nuts, he'd do anything for us.  His sense of humor will forever be missed, which was indicated by his snow plow business name Lizard Lick among other things.

Basil married Shirley Leonard, the love of his life, September 26, 1953.  Married for 67 years.  He is survived by his wife, 5 children and their spouses; Sheila & Paul,  Terry Freese, Jeanne & Don Struble, Lori Rhoads & Basil Rhoads and 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandson. His brothers Ronald Rhoads, Brian(Kathy)Rhoads, Richard (sandy)Rhoads

Predeceased by his parents john and Margret Rhoads, and his sister and brother in law Margorie and Art Easling

A Memorial Service and life celebration will  be held at the home of Basil & Shirley Rhoads, 407 St. Rte 414, Beaver Dams on July 3rd at 1pm.

Memories and condolences for the family may be shared by visiting our guest book at www.tiogapointcremation.com   Caring assistance is being provided by Cooley-Tioga Point Cremation & Burial Options, Inc. 802 N. Main St., Athens, PA 18810.