Geronimo Rodriguez, Lieutenant Commander (retd)

Gerry Rodriguez, a proud and patriotic American, cherished public servant, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 10, 1952, Gerry’s life was a blend of dedication, service, and a famously sharp sense of humor.

Gerry devoted 22 years to serving his country with distinction in both the Air Force and the Navy. His Military achievements include the Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Navy Battle “E” Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal (2), Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal (2), Air Force Outstanding Unit Ribbon (2), Air Force Overseas (long tour) ribbon, Air Force NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon and Air Force Small Arms Expert Ribbon (2). After retiring from the military, he continued his commitment to public service with a decade of work at the Probation Department. His dedication to service was matched only by his deep love for his family and his passions.

Gerry attended Bowie High School, graduating with the class of 1970, where he was a standout in track, basketball, and baseball. Recognized for his academic achievements, Gerry was an All-State scholar, served as Student Body President and was Valedictorian of his graduating class.

Gerry’s strong work ethic, instilled in him from childhood days of raising livestock, milking cows and chopping weeds in the cotton fields of Bowie Farms, stayed with him throughout his life. As a child, he and his brothers would pile into the back of his dad's pickup truck to hunt jackrabbits. Known for his sharp shooting, Gerry developed a keen marksmanship where he later was on the Pistol shooting team in the Air Force.

Raised with a competitive spirit, Gerry and his best friend Fitz, aka Scumbag, would often challenge his fellow seamen at racquetball or pool for a case of beer. Needless to say, they won many cases! Although he enjoyed a good time, Gerry was known for being "squared away"—a professional who got his business done with precision and efficiency.

He took great pride in his home and would take guests on a “tour” of the homestead, highlighting his projects over the years. Because of his childhood, he enjoyed farming and planted many fruit bearing trees onsite. Every year, his brothers would come to help harvest the fruit trees, his prized avocados were a highlight that brought joy (and guacamole) to the entire family.

Gerry had a passion for Classic American muscle cars, spending many weekends attending car shows with his wife Cindy. Having a car for Gerry meant freedom and he purchased a 1955 Chevy in high school with his earnings from working on the farm. His lifetime collection included a 1957 Ford truck passed on from his father, multiple Corvette’s (this is what caught Cindy’s eye) but the car that stole his heart was the 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner that he purchased in college. He yearned for this car throughout his adult life and the memories that came with it until he was finally able to add this back into his collection.

A devoted husband, Gerry shared 34 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Cynthia Rodriguez. He is survived by his children: Nikki, Kristina, Diana, Melissa, Cesar and Sophia, as well as 12 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters.

Known for his irreverent humor and sarcasm, Gerry's famous one-liners will stay with us throughout our lifetimes. Ask him if he wanted a beer and his response was always, “Is a frog’s butt watertight?” His humor was an integral part of his character: you either loved him or you didn’t, but you certainly knew who he was and those who did, will never forget him.

Gerry’s legacy is one of service, humor, and a larger-than-life personality. As a proud and patriotic American, he embodied the values he held dear throughout his life. Despite his battle with cancer, he faced each day with determination and the same steadfast courage that defined him. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held August 23rd at Glen Abbey in Bonita, and all who knew him are welcome to attend. No need for tears, please come with joy in your heart, memories of Gerry and a joke or two to share. In closing as Gerry would say, “I’m off like a herd of turtles on a windy day.”