John Robert Rohde

John Robert Rohde, 77 of Exton passed away on Friday January 30th. The son of Alexander (Bud) and Roberta Rohde, he was born September 25, 1948 in Erie, Pennsylvania. John grew up in Erie and attended Henderson High School. After high school, John attended West Chester University, where he met the love of his life, Madalene (Foster) Rohde.

John served in the U.S. Navy from 1971-1974 and flew airplanes for the Hurricane Hunters, stationed in Guam. After honorably discharging from the Navy, John completed his college degree and married Madalene in 1974. They found home to be Chester County, PA. This is where they welcomed their three sons, Matthew Foster in 1978, Jeffrey Alexander in 1980, and Ryan Hunter in 1984.

John’s working life included time at Weichert Realty in West Chester, PA and Foster Court Reporting in Philadelphia, PA. However, his primary career was coaching. John’s coaching career spanned decades and multiple sports. As the GEYA Little League Commissioner from 1990-1996 and LYA Lacrosse co-founder, John led and directed the sports that directly impacted his sons and countless other young men in the Chester County area.

His main passion, however, was lacrosse and more specifically, coaching his sons in lacrosse. John joined the staff at Malvern Preparatory School as an assistant coach in 1995 and carried that role until he assumed the head coaching role in 1997. John was privileged to coach all three of his boys during his time at Malvern. During his tenure at Malvern, the program took foundational steps forward and saw a Inter Ac conference championship, first top-25 ranking and the first state championship appearance in program history. John was also voted as the 2002 PSLA Coach of the year. It cannot be understated what role John Rohde played in the building of what is now a yearly nationally-ranked high school program at Malvern Prep. John also served as the EPSLA President during his time at Malvern.

After his time at Malvern Prep, John continued his legacy on the sidelines at Unionville High School, serving as head coach from 2004 to 2012. As a leader on the sidelines at Unionville, John was a leader in the community, serving as a Special Education Paraprofessional on behalf of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. His kindness and care for children with special needs was evident to all that knew him.

After retiring in 2015, John’s other hobbies included golfing, going to local lacrosse recruiting events and college games, attending his grandchildren’s soccer and lacrosse games and visiting with family over the years.

John (Jocko, Silver Fox, Dad, Papi) is survived by his wife Madalene, Exton, PA; sister Barbara and husband Richard Mattioni, Paoli, PA; son Matthew Rohde and wife Lisa, Manchester, VT; son Jeffrey Rohde, Exton, PA; son Ryan Rohde and wife Emma, Fredericksburg, VA; granddaughters Maddie and Ella Rohde, Manchester, VT; grandson John Rohde, Fredericksburg, VA; niece Joy Grady and husband John, West Chester, PA, and their families.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander (Bud) Rohde and Roberta Rohde.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Celebration of Life on Saturday February 21, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Downingtown Country Club 93 Country Club Dr, Downingtown, PA 19335 

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a Blessing and Eulogy at 11:00 am as we gather to honor and celebrate John’s life.

Following the blessing and eulogy, guests are warmly invited to stay for a light brunch and beverages as we continue to share memories together.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Timothy School Development Fund 973 Old Lancaster Rd. Berwyn, PA 19312

The Family would like to thank the staff of Paoli Hospital, specifically the Paoli ICU nurses and staff, as well as our friends and family for their kindness and support.