WILMINGTON — Rhoderick Charles Hawk passed away on November 19, 2025. He was born on March 2, 1940, in Moline, Illinois, to Charles and Ellma Hawk. He grew up there with his younger brother, Jonathan.
Rhod graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Engineering and went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Stanford University. He enjoyed a distinguished 25-year career with the General Electric Company, which brought him to Wilmington, and later continued his professional work with a Westinghouse Company, Western Zirconium in Utah.
In 1981, Rhod married Frances at St. James Parish, forming a blended family that remained a central focus throughout his life. He treasured the years spent together, and eventually all members of the blended family settled in Wilmington. He is survived by his daughter, Kristin; his son Steven and his wife, Chase, along with their children, Reece Rhoderick Hawk and Alexandra Gorham. He is survived by Frances’ two daughters, Margaret Holmes and her children, Frances Holmes Harris and Josie Holmes; and also Sarah Wright DeVries and her husband, Michael DeVries.
Rhod will be remembered for his keen intellect, lifelong enjoyment of history and reading, but most of all for the love and devotion he had to his wife, Frances, and to his family. He also loved to travel and shared with Frances an interest in and support of cultural events and the arts.
He was supported this year by a dedicated and compassionate care team: Dean Karras, M.D., Kirsten Nemmers, R.N. and Mia Mendoza-Garcia, C.N.A. He faced the end of his life with gratitude, knowing his family adored him, and remembering his as a life well lived.
