Rafael Rodriguez III

Rafael “Ralph” Rodriguez, III peacefully passed away in the early hours of Monday, August 21, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Minerva Rodriguez; his children, Craig Rodriguez and his wife Clare, Carlos “Scott” Rodriguez, Patti Jones and her husband David; his step-children Scott Gasswint and his wife Heather, Michelle Jeanetta and her husband Nicky; his cherished grandchildren Ralph (Jenni), Joshua, Alexandra (Jeffery), Bryn (Julia), and Max (Deandra), and step-grandchildren Rachel, Colleen and Kayla; his adored great-grandchildren Kendall, Jordan, Taylor, Lillian, Luca, Norah, and Leilah, and step-great-grandchildren Natalia and Beckham; he is also survived by his former wife Doris Rodriguez with whom he remained friends, and numerous nieces and nephews; he is preceded in death by his parents Dr. Rafael Rodriguez and Virginia “Ginny” Mettee, and his sisters Dr. Carmen Borkhataria and Dr. Phyllis Febles, and his son Rafael “Didi” Rodriguez, IV.

Ralph was born on Friday, July 12, 1929 in Guanabacoa, Havana, Cuba, the second of three children born to Dr. Rafael Rodriguez and Virginia Mettee Rodriguez. Following his post-high school gap year, Ralph took a particular interest in politics and decided to move to his mother’s hometown of Baltimore, MD with aspirations of becoming an attorney, attending his uncle’s Alma Mater, University of Baltimore. To help make ends meet, he took a job at Continental Can Company in June, 1950. Soon thereafter Ralph was drafted into the Korean War. During his military service, Ralph was promoted to Corporal and was awarded two (2) bronze stars. Following his wartime service, Ralph returned to Baltimore and Continental Can Company. Ralph was the most requested quality control inspector and the only one requested by the company’s largest client, Progresso, because of his keen eye and exemplary service, and, a dedicated member of his union through-out his 35 year career, retiring in 1986.

Following his retirement, he moved to Florida to reconnect with his Cuban family and friends who were able to escape the Castro Regime. After several years, Ralph would eventually return to Baltimore with the arrival of his grandchildren, who unanimously proclaim he was the best granddad ever.

Ralph was a devoted family man, loyal friend to countless people and enjoyed reading, history and politics, dances, bull roasts and a good joke. There was never a political conversation he did not contribute to and have depth of knowledge about. He was a lifetime member of his local VFW, having served as an Officer and Trustee for several years. He was known for his shiny shoes, razor sharp creases, meticulous clothing and perfectly manicured presence. His favorite color was blue. Ralph was fortunate to have lived a long, storied life, full of memories, blessed with four children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two step-children, three step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Ralph was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air Inc., 610 W. MacPhail Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 on Friday, September 1st from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; a Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 2nd at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception; all are welcome. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date to be determined.