On February 10, 1950 Joe W. Rodrigues was born to Walter and Bessie Rodrigues in Durango, Colorado. He was the eldest of the Rodrigues children, big brother to Toby, Raymond, Mailie, Eddie and Tia. Later in the 1980’s he would also be the big brother to Samuel and Tommy. While living in Colorado, Joe was able to spend time with his grandparents, Maggie and Merced (Jose) often getting in “trouble” for eating peas out of their garden. Throughout his childhood Joe and his family spent time living in there in Durango, New Mexico and Hawaii before eventually arriving in Colton, CA in 1962. By 1967 the family would reside in the home on Gardner Street in San Bernardino where many generations of Rodrigues spent time. In 1966 Joe was cruising in San Bernardino in his green Chevy with his good friend “Peanuts” when he saw a beautiful young girl walking down the street in blue shorts. That beautiful young girl was named Florence (Nava), or Flo for short. He eventually would call Flo “Sam” for Samantha the witch from “Bewitched” because he said “she cast a spell on him”. They began dating and falling in love (of course) and married August 9, 1969. On November 1, 1969 Joe and Flo welcomed their first baby boy, John also known as “Baby Jay” or “Jay”. Joe continued to work at his parent’s gas stations to support his young family. In 1973, he got a job with Santa Fe Railroad as a machine operator where he developed a lasting friendship with his buddy Art. That same year Joe and Flo welcomed son Roman to the family. In 1977, they were blessed with their first girl, Leilani. Over the years the Rodrigues family, or Frog Family as some lovingly referred to them as took trips to Colorado and Hawaii and spent time at the local baseball fields where he helped coach. Sunday drives were tradition for the family, to buy vegetables, have dinner with Grandpa Walt and Grandma Bessie and Family, or visit Florence’s parents (Juan and Annie) and other family. Florence remembers many events she and Joe “partied” at such as weddings and birthdays always with family and friends.
In 1987, Joe and Flo added one more tadpole to the Frog Family with their daughter Carol. The family of 6 still continued to spend time together camping, fishing, Sunday dinners at Walt and Bessie’s, visiting Florence’s family, or just hanging out at their house on Garden Drive. Joe’s father also made a tradition of visiting them at that house to bring “day old” donuts to Joe and Flo. In 1995, Joe retired from Santa Fe Railroad after major brain surgery. All the days of “partying” had taken their toll and Joe began enjoying his days as our “Couch Potato”. In his retirement Joe traveled to Kentucky and Hawaii with his daughter Carol and to Primm, NV and local Casino Resorts with his wife Flo. Flo recalls their memorable trip to Catalina Island in 2009. Joe also enjoyed his monthly breakfast trip to Tom’s Burgers for him and Flo. Joe would also be up waiting for Flo when she arrived home from work with her cup of tea, to make sure she arrived safe.
Joe had a passion for cars such as his green Chevy 2 Nova and was often the family “mechanic”. He loved classic cartoons such as Looney Toons, especially Bugs Bunny, and grew to love “SpongeBob Squarepants”. His favorite show of all time was “Star Trek” which he deemed very educational. He enjoyed documentaries on History and Discovery Channels and Cooking shows he watched with Flo. In other words, he loved his television. He was an expert Playstation 2 Golfer and Nintendo DS Mario Brothers player. He was “Papa” or “Grandpa Joe” to his 12 grandchildren, helping to raise and babysit all of them.
On June 25, 2012 Joe entered into rest at St. Bernadine’s Medical Center surrounded by the love of our Lord Jesus, Family and Friends. He was greeted in Heaven by his parents Walt and Bessie, brother Toby, and son Jay. He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend. He was silly, kind of grumpy, guy with a great sense of humor and silly catch phrases. He leaves behind many memories of good times. He will be greatly missed but as he used to say, “Don’t say goodbye, say see you later”. We’ll see you later Joe. We’ll see you later Daddy.
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