Esteban Cajulis Rodriguez Jr.

Esteban was born on April 21, 1930, to the late Esteban Sr. and Andrea (Cajulis) Rodriguez. He spent his life in the military, serving his country and taking care of his family. At 13 years old, he joined the Filipino Army serving as a scout during WWII. Following that, he dedicated over 20 years serving in the United States Navy where he endured the hardships of the wars in both Korea and Vietnam. In Vietnam, he served in the Pacific fleet and his unit was responsible for clearing the river channels for safe passage of the US Navy patrol boats. During his time in the Navy, he trained as an Electrician’s Mate (EM) and served on both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets. In 1974, he retired from the US Navy.

After retirement, he continued using his electrician skills at various companies, eventually retiring from the Chrysler Corporation (UAW #72) in Kenosha, WI.

He became a Master Mason in 1959, and years later in 1997, elevated to his Scottish Rite where he recently celebrated his 25th anniversary.

Esteban was also one of the founding leaders of the Lake County Illinois Filipino American Association, which is still active in the community today.

Esteban was skilled in many trades and was always generous with his time and skills to help anyone in need. He loved sweets and is remembered for bringing donuts and pastries to everyone he visited.

He is survived by his sisters, Leonila, Olga, and Soledad; wife of 69 years, Adoracion; his five children Danny, Diane (Bien) Balay, Darlene (Archie) Mangalindan, Dennis (Karen), and During (Elizabeth); eight grandchildren Amelia (Matt) Wray, Danny Jr., Steve (Casey), Andrew, Patrick, Olivia, Lucia, Daria; and great grandchild, Isabella.

A visitation for Esteban will be held Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A funeral mass will occur Monday, June 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 10472 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32246. A committal service will occur following the funeral mass on Monday, June 13, 2022 at Chapel Hills Memory Gardens, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225.

A livestream of the funeral mass on Monday, June 13th, may be viewed at one of the provided links: https://youtu.be/5YRCV1wMcsA

https://youtu.be/OpyHrDb9UwU

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com for the Rodriguez family.