He was known by many names—Chief, E-Rod, Snake, Husband, Daddy and Grandpa. He was a unique and well-liked man. He endeared himself to hundreds, possibly thousands, over a lifetime. He could be spotted easily—wearing a United States Marine Corps ballcap because he one of “The Few. The Proud. The Marines.” A yellow feather sprouted from his ballcap….a salute to his two brothers who died on foreign soil serving their country. We (and I say we because he was loved and respected by all) lost him on January 8, 2019 at the age of 81.
A large crowd bid him farewell at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in a beautiful ceremony led by Father Frances Kamau and Brother Wayne Chance on January 11, 2019. Words spoken brought tears and sometimes laughter to those in attendance. American flags flapped in a chilly breeze as members of the Patriot Guard assisted in the gravesite rites.
Life will never be the same for his dear family, including his four children, Sharon, Kayla, Ramona and Stephen; his siblings and all who loved him. To know Ernest Rodrigues was to love him. He was a giver in all aspects of life. He freely spoke kind words, expressed care and concern for others, spent time with friends and family and had an uncanny way of knowing just the right words to say, whether it be a joke or a sincere comment. More than anything, he was a giver of over 45,000 handmade wooden crosses that he gave away. He cautioned new teen drivers to follow the rules of the road; and wished all safe travels.
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