I can not comprehend this. Thinking of all the times you contacted me with encouragement. We did not have the time to do the same for you. Iliana, thank you for calling me! 

I've been trying to figure out just the right words to express how I feel and I don't think I'm going to get it just right but I hope I convey my feeling. 

Frank was one of my best friends growing up and  spending time in the Rodriguez house was common place. I never really got used to calling Frankie's dad by his name, and as many little kids I just always called him Frankie's dad. 

As I grew up, that stuck with me. I described them to my friends and to others like my wife and  while I shared the impact this amazing family had on my youth, I often shared about Frankie's Mom and Dad. Someone asked me once if I knew their names because I always called them Frankie's Mom and Dad. I feel like it was especially unique because my father was a military man and always made sure I was respectful and used my manners. 

Recently I let Frankie's Mom, Iliana, know some of what this family has meant to me and I think in all this writing and figuring I found something out. Although not my mom and dad, the love and respect they showed not just me, but the third in our trio, Gio, made me realize that this title was not just an easy way to describe them like a Mr. or Mrs. It was in fact my way of showing them the respect I thought they earned by being the loving family they were. They might not have been my parents but they always treated me like a mom and dad, and I think that's why they'll always be Frankie's Mom and Frankie's Dad to me. I hope that's okay, and I'm sorry I didn't make the time to figure that out sooner in my life, but thank you for being that for me when I needed it.  

Dear Leo, I wanted to take a moment to express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to work with you on Cuba flights for more than a decade. Throughout our time together, you became more than just a colleague, but a dear friend who made an undeniable impact on my life. 

It is difficult to put into words just how much I cherish our memories and experiences together.  Your warm smile and infectious laughter were something I looked forward to every time we worked a flight together. 

One thing that stands out to me is how much you taught me over the years. Your knowledge of both aviation and life is something that has truly stuck with me, and I am grateful for the countless lessons you have shared with me.

Above all else, it is our friendship that I will always remember. The stories we shared on our flights, the  conversations about sports, life and our experiences, and the genuine laughter that we shared will stay with me forever. It has been an honor being able to call you my friend. Until we meet again.

Dear Iliana, Leito and Frankie,
I’m sending my sincere sympathies  to you today and wish I could be there. 
I always enjoyed Leo’s company at family gatherings - he was quick with a story and a good laugh. 
This photo was from a Christmas (note Leo’s Santa hat!) family picnic where cherished memories were made. 
Love, Sally Rivero

Iliana, Frankie and Leito, 
Sending my deepest sympathies to you at this time. I always enjoyed Leo’s company when we were at family gatherings - he was quick with a story or a laugh! 
I’m grateful for marrying into this family because I got to meet him. 
Sally Rivero

My sincere condolences to the family of Leo. I will always remember his fabulous smile, his laughter and his willingness to help under any circumstance.  He will be remembered as a bright shining star. 
Brenda Boone 

It was a complete HONOR to know, work and SHARE a Birthday day with you my friend.  You will be missed and NEVER FORGOTTEN.

YOUR  BIRTH DAY TWIN

You always make sure everything runs smoothly and those Cuba flights. You are missed !

Hey Bro,
We called each other bro  because that's what we felt like with each other, neither having one.  I feel very proud, honored, and privileged to be part of your life. You were ,are and will always be my best friend.  I cant begin to even think of all the good times we had together. American Airlines owes you a ton full of thank you's for all you did for them in Miami  with the charters  to Cuba. As I sit here with tears rolling down my face. I will always remember you. I LOVE LEO RODRIGUEZ. Rest in peace and please remember to save a place next to you in heaven. I know your there because God could not have found any other place for someone as great as you. 

Leo,
You will always be the heart of MIA. You were a mentor to us all, and I learned so much from you. I will always miss the back and forth that you would always have with Larry plus the stories of how you were there to see MIA grow into the hub it is now. You will forever be in all out hearts! Descansa en paz mi amigo



From our first AA fllight to cuba, you were my constant in these unchartered beginnings. You always sent me messages to see how I was doing. Know that you were loved by me and many here and in cuba. My heart feels for your family! They were your life!
May you rest in our lords loving arms. 

Leo,
All who have known you, talked with you, laughed with you or even just met you for the first time knew what a special person you were.  Thank you for all of the years at AA. I feel blessed to have worked with you for long - we always knew that all was right in MIA when you were there!  God Bless and keep you and your family.   Lee

Leo was a brilliant soul, with an infectious laugh that echoed through every room he entered. His eyes sparkled with wisdom and his presence exuded warmth and kindness. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel heard and understood, as if they were the most important person in the world. Leo was a true connoisseur of his job & life's pleasures, always seeking out new experiences and savoring every moment with gusto. His passion for adventure was matched only by his unwavering loyalty to his friends and family, whom he cherished deeply. Whether it was a spontaneous road trip, a quiet evening by the fire, or a lively debate about the meaning of existence, Leo's company was an absolute treasure. His gentle soul and unwavering optimism brought comfort and inspiration to those around him, and his memory continues to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Leo may be physically gone, but his spirit lives on, leaving an indelible mark on the world, a beacon of sublime radiance that will forever be cherished and remembered.

Dear Leo - what can you say when a cherished friend, whose life touched so many, whose smile brightened the soul of all who met him? You taught me so much over the years in Miami. All I can say when mere words fail me at your passing, is Adios mi aamigo - till we meet again in Heaven!

Ric Arner

My deepest sympathies to the family. And thank you my friend for all the years of your friendship. 

You will be missed.  But I was lucky to meet you and get to know you in the Cuba flt. 🇨🇺 

Leo, you’re a good man, you are in god’s kingdom right now filling it with laughter, great stories and experiences. You will be truly missed. 

Leo, 
I want you to know how much your passing affected me.  I believe that some people come into your life and touch you in ways that only God can understand.  I hope you know that you touched mine.  I’m so grateful to have known you and even more thankful that I made you laugh a few weeks ago!  RIP my dear friend….. there’s gonna be an empty spot on this planet without you!  Thank you for blessing my life with your laughter, patience and amazing personality!  Don’t worry about Ili, she’s not alone!  

RIP amigo,
Sylvia Castillo

My condolences to the Rodriguez family. Great memories from the early Cuba Charter flight days, Leo had that infectious smile that would light up a room. 

OBITUARY

Leonardo Rodriguez

June 23, 1954 – April 15, 2023

Caballero Rivero Westchester

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