Manuel Rodriguez

Manny Rodriguez was born and raised in New York City where he spent most of his adult life before moving to Long Island, NY where he and his wife of over 60 years, Cecilia (Cecie) Rodriguez, raised their children. After their children moved to Colorado, Manny and Cecie moved from their lifelong residence of New York to Colorado to be with their children and grandchildren.

Manny was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was called Dad by his children but when grandchildren came, he became Papi, a name always said with so much love. When you met Manny, he had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in his life. He adored his family and always made sure he knew what was going on in their lives.

Manny was a proud WWII veteran. He served in the United States Marine Corps with the Sixth Marine Division. Like many veterans he did not talk a lot about the war for most of his life, but was proud of his service to his country. Manny began to reflect more on his time in the service. He participated in the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight, a non-profit organization that takes veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the monuments and memorials dedicated to their service. That trip allowed Manny to hear and share stories with other veterans of their time in the service.

Manny retired after a 30-year career as an aviation mechanic for American Airlines with his best friend Andy Drost. Manny and Andy also owned a woodworking business, Heritage Woodcraft. Manny was a hard worker, and was proud of his success in both professions. Manny continued his love of woodworking in retirement, as well as working in his gardens and keeping his backyard pool pristine.

Manny will be remembered by friends and family as a man who needed little but gave a lot. He truly lived in the moment and was thankful for the life he lived. He lived it well for sure! He is loved and will be missed.

Manny was preceded in death by his wife, Cecie, and is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Manny and Betsy Rodriguez, his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Antonia and Rod Young, and grandchildren, Lauren, Catie, Sarah, and Peter. He will be missed dearly but he will live on through the love of his family and friends.