Julio G Rodriguez

On Monday, July 10, 2023, Julio Rodriguez, loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Lauderdale at the age of 90. Julio was born on September 25, 1932 in San Nicolas, Havana, Cuba to Jesus Rodriguez and Julia Fernandez. Sadly, Julio's mother passed away from childbirth complications during his birth.

Julio married the love of his life, Epifania Ayala, on April 15,1955; they welcomed three children together and remained happily married for 68 years. In Cuba, he helped manage the family farm (sugar cane) and a convenience store (bodega). He did not agree with the country's political system and after two years of hard labor, he was granted permission to immigrate to the US. On October 16, 1969 he moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL with his family, leaving everything behind to pursue greater opportunities. In the US, he worked as a baker at Publix for 25 years and also managed his own lawn care business.

Julio had a passion for uniting his family and hosted many gatherings including Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) celebrations where he was known for preparing delicious roast pork (lechón asado). He also loved spending time with his pet dogs, playing dominos, and smoking cigars. He will always be remembered for his assertive yet gentle demeanor, his endless sacrifice and love for his family, his poetry and punto guajiro, and for his joyous spirit.

Julio was preceded in death by his father, Jesus; his mother, Julia; his son, Julio; his stepmother, Juana; his sister, Caridad; his brother Jose; his granddaughter Melissa and great-grandson Jaxon. He is survived by his wife, Epifania; his daughter, Olga, (Enrique); his son, Osvaldo; his brothers, Eddy and Reynaldo; his sister, Rosa; his six grandchildren, William, Brian, Natasha, Jeraldo, Amanda and Nilda; his 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Spanish Version

El lunes 10 de Julio de 2023, Julio Rodríguez, amado esposo, padre, hermano y abuelo, falleció en paz en su casa de Fort Lauderdale a la edad de 90 años. Julio nació el 25 de Septiembre de 1932 en San Nicolás, La Habana, Cuba a Jesús Rodríguez y Julia Fernández. Lamentablemente, la madre de Julio falleció por complicaciones de parto durante su nacimiento.

Julio se casó con el amor de su vida, Epifania Ayala, el 15 de Abril de 1955; dieron la bienvenida a tres hijos juntos y permanecieron felizmente casados durante 68 años. En Cuba, ayudó a administrar la finca familiar y una bodega. No estaba de acuerdo con el sistema político del país y después de dos años de trabajo voluntario, se le concedió permiso para emigrar a los Estados Unidos. El 16 de Octubre de 1969 se mudó a Fort Lauderdale, FL con su familia, dejando todo atrás para buscar mayores oportunidades. En los EE. UU., trabajó como panadero en Publix durante 25 años y también administró su propio negocio de cuidado del césped.

A Julio le apasionaba unir a su familia y organizaba muchas reuniones, incluidas las celebraciones de Noche Buena, donde era conocido por preparar un delicioso lechón asado. También le encantaba pasar tiempo con sus perros, jugar dominó y fumar puros. Siempre será recordado por su actitud asertiva pero gentil, su incansable sacrificio y amor por su familia, su poesía y punto guajiro, y por su espíritu alegre.

Julio fue precedido en la muerte por su padre, Jesús; su madre, Julia; su hijo, Julio; su madrastra, Juana; su hermana, Caridad; su hermano, José; su nieta Melissa y su bisnieto Jaxon. Le sobreviven su esposa, Epifania; su hija, Olga (Enrique); su hijo, Osvaldo; sus hermanos, Eddy y Reynaldo; su hermana Rosa; sus seis nietos, William, Brian, Natasha, Jeraldo, Amanda y Nilda; sus 13 bisnietos; y muchas sobrinas, sobrinos y primos.