In the 1970s, Rodrigo immigrated to the US as a registered nurse – though if you asked him what he really wanted to be, he would have said master gardener and a fisherman. He spent many of his days in his huge backyard in Riverview, FL growing vegetables, building elaborate irrigation systems for them, and harvesting them for his family. Laid back, humorous, and warm hearted, he always had a go-with-the-flow positive attitude. “Don’t worry. Be happy” was his life motto. Maybe that is why he beat the odds multiple times – surviving emergent heart surgery, enduring dialysis for years before a kidney transplant, and miraculously surviving massive bleeding – to live another blessed year. He worked 20 years as a geriatric nurse before stricken by these illnesses. He kept busy gardening and driving his wife to work, as he trusted his driving more. He is most proud of his “golden girls,” the name he used to refer to his twin daughters who also share his birthday. After battling lymphoma, Rodrigo passed away from this earth to Heaven, peacefully surrounded by family. Until the end, he was strong, courageous, selfless and humble. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Berna Dalaza; their twin daughters, Doctor Leslie (Justin) Mattson, of Chicago, IL and Doctor Lizbeth (Carl) Hingst, of Fishers, IN; and his five grandchildren, Eleni, Owen, Linnea, Andrew, and Annalise.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 10:00 AM with calling one hour prior at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1102 S. Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Burial will take place at Catholic Cemetery, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. For online condolences, please visit www.mccombandsons.com
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