Rodrigo C. Aquino

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Rodrigo C. Aquino, who left us on December 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. Rodrigo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be remembered for his youthful charm and brilliant smile.

Born on March 3, 1941, to Teodoro Aquino and Juana Castro Aquino, Rodrigo grew up in San Carlos City, Philippines surrounded by the warmth of a close-knit family. The third of four children, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jose Castro Aquino, and is survived by his two sisters, Felicidad Aquino Villanueva and Espirita Aquino Bumanlag. Deeply committed to family, he helped raise his nephews and cherished his many nieces and nephews across the UK, the Philippines, California, New Jersey, and Maryland.

Rodrigo attended De La Salle Araneta University, earning his degree from the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. Guided by passion and purpose, he served in the Philippine Department of Agriculture until coming to the United States in 1970 to follow the love of his life, Dr. Elvira Melendez Aquino, to New York. They married that same year and proudly raised two daughters, Ann Marie Melendez Aquino Pelis and Ellen Joyce Melendez Aquino Bucobo. Rodrigo later became a proud and loving grandfather to Alexis Pelis, Veronica Pelis, Adriana Bucobo, Lucia Bucobo, and Natalia Bucobo.

Rodrigo will be remembered for his tough love, stubborn yet endearing spirit, and the way he could fill a room with his stories and “techniques” teachings. He lived with a steadfast determination to have things done “my way”. He attended Mass every Sunday and expressed his love through the meals he cooked for family and visiting relatives. And every year on their birthdays, without fail, his daughters awoke to vibrant roses placed lovingly in their rooms; this tradition of birthday roses continued into their adult lives. He will be dearly missed for his opera-like birthday song finales, sung with such gusto that they brought laughter, joy and sometimes tears of delight. Rodrigo’s artistic talent was another gift he shared freely, and his competitive drawing sessions, with his daughters and especially with his grandchildren, will be remembered with fondness. He was immensely proud of his granddaughters’ achievements and encouraged them to persevere, always reminding them of their worth and potential.

Beyond his devotion to family, Rodrigo was an avid league bowler, earning several high performance trophies during his time with the United Filipino Bowling Club and the Golden Age Bowling League. He was also a proud member and supporter of the San Carlenians of Pangasinan, an organization that fostered brotherhood, camaraderie, and a sense of “home”. Rodrigo also stood faithfully beside his wife in her involvement with several medical associations and charitable healthcare organizations offering a quiet strength and unwavering support.

In his younger years, Rodrigo loved the water – the calm of swimming, the patience of fishing, and the peace of outdoors. He cherished time with friends, from weekly poker nights to hosting joyful annual New Year’s Eve celebrations that became a treasured tradition.

And then there was his garden – his sanctuary. Rodrigo tended to it with devotion, coaxing vibrant flowers and abundant harvests. The beauty he cultivated was celebrated and shared generously with family and friends. Even in his final days, despite the cold, he was engrossed with the care of his garden, hopeful for another beautiful, blossoming spring.

We will miss Rodrigo dearly, as will his garden.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Boyd-Caratozzolo Funeral Home, in the Towne Chapel.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:45am at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church located at 35 N Service Rd, Dix Hills, NY 11746 followed by a committal service at St. Charles Cemetery, Chapel, located at 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY.