Omelio Rodriguez

Omelio Efrain Rodriguez Castellon was born in Placetas, Cuba on July 22, 1946 to Zoila Castellon and Alberto Omelio Rodriguez. He was the last of four brothers: Dr. Jose Alberto Rodriguez, Felix Ramon Rodriguez, and Hector Luis Rodriguez. Two of the brothers emigrated to the US in the early 1960’s. With his parents in prison due to the Castro regime, he left Cuba as part of Operation PeterPan and joined his brothers. A few years later his parents were released, and they reunited with their four sons in New Jersey.

He joined the Army hoping to participate in the liberation of Cuba. After the Army, he settled in New Jersey with his parents and subsequently met and married Esther I. Velazquez in 1968. They had two daughters: Esther Lidia Rodriguez Kelley and Sarah Maria Rodriguez Gerdes and was blessed with four grandchildren; William E. Kelley (18); Grace Kelley (15); Kaya Gerdes (14) and Isaac Gerdes (12). He is also survived by his two Sons-in law; Timothy Kelley and Illya Gerdes.

He worked for Western Electric/Lucent and retired after 25 years of service. After retirement he lived a few years in Allentown, Pennsylvania and finally settled in Florida living his last years in Ft. Lauderdale.