Fidel Rodriguez

Fidel Rodriguez, of Orlando, FL, died on Monday, June 13, 2016 at the age of 85. He was born on March 22, 1931 in Monterrey, Mexico. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico. Fidel completed his General Surgery residency at Ohio Valley General Hospital in Wheeling, WV culminating with his appointment as Chief General Surgery Resident. In 1959 he married Virginia Ellen Wilkinson of Leroy, West Virginia after meeting her at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital, in Parkersburg, WV where she worked as a nurse. They were married for 57 years. Fidel dedicated his professional life to General Surgery for over 35 years. His career began in Wilmington, DE and took him to Grantsville, WV and later to St. Cloud/Kissimmee, FL. He served as Chief of Surgery and was on the Board of Trustees at many hospitals throughout his career. He continued his life’s work as the Vitas Hospice Inpatient Medical Director in Orlando, FL retiring in 2008. He was a member of numerous national and local medical societies and associations and was named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Fidel lived his life with enthusiasm, trust and faith in God. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed and cherished time spent with the grandchildren and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Ellen, his 4 children; Paul Rodriguez, David Rodriguez, Patty Mitchell, Michael Rodriguez and his 8 grandchildren; Brittany Mitchell, Tori Rodriguez, Ciel Rodriguez, Alexandra Mitchell, Stuart Rodriguez, Kirby Rodriguez, Jackie Mitchell and Samuel Rodriguez. A private memorial service organized by Baldwin Fairchild-Ivanhoe will be held in Orlando, FL. Memorial donations may be made in Fidel’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.