Curtis Leroy Rhodes, 67, of Stratford, Connecticut departed this earthly home on Sunday, May 15, 2022. He was born on January 2, 1955, in Darlington, SC to the late Clarence Rhodes, Sr. and Susan Rhodes. He was the oldest of their four children. He was known simply as Mike or Uncle Mike to his beloved friends and family. Curtis was educated in the Bridgeport School System and graduated from Warren Harding High School. After working at Sikorsky Aircraft for a brief period he decided to enlist in the military. He served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Nimitz. Curtis was a hardworking man. Upon exiting the US Navy, he eventually started a long and illustrious career as a Correctional Officer for the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections. He would work for the Department of Corrections until his retirement. While in retirement he worked for several years as a resource officer for the New Canaan School District. Curtis was an enthusiastic sports fan who loved to watch both youth and professional sports. His love for the Steelers and Yankees was surpassed only by his love for watching his sons play sports. In fact, he would go on to coach his sons and their friends little league baseball teams where his teams enjoyed much success. Known as the “neighborhood dad” he used sports to instill discipline, accountability, as well as teach the youth to manage victory with class and learn from defeat. An avid bowler, Curtis would travel to compete in national bowling tournaments annually. He also loved a good chess match with his grandson or a competitive game of cards with family and friends. Curtis loved to travel and see the world. Family trips, annual cruises, and long car rides spending summers in South Carolina filled him with joy. He also loved hosting parties for family and friends. His infectious laugh and love for a good joke will be remembered forever. Curtis was predeceased by his father, Clarence Rhodes Sr.; two grandchildren, Jovan K. Rhodes, Jr., and Jurnee K. Rhodes. Curtis leaves his mother, Susan Rhodes; sons, Jovan Rhodes (Jacee Rhodes), Michael Rhodes; daughters, Aneesha Rhodes, Misheri Rhodes; a brother, Clarence Rhodes (Aurora Rhodes); sisters, Clara Mae Rhodes, and Shirel Ann Rhodes; grandchildren, Jaela Rhodes and Jovan Tre Rhodes; an uncle Superintendent Samuel Levey; ex-wife, Janet Rhodes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish his memory within their hearts and never be forgotten.