Orlando Rodriguez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Orlando Rodriguez, who left this earth peacefully at his home in Miami on Friday, May 16th at the age of 96. Born in Cardenas, Cuba to the late Maria and Jose Antonio Rodriguez, Orlando graduated from La Progresiva Presbyterian School in 1950 then came to the United States to attend the RCA Television School in New York City. During a visit back to his hometown Cardenas in 1954, Orlando met Mr. and Mrs. Albert Luce, Sr., then owners of the bus manufacturer Blue Bird Body Company in Fort Valley, GA. At that time they offered him a job selling their buses in Cuba, which was the beginning of his wonderful career as an international salesman. For the next 37 years Orlando traveled the world visiting 88 different countries and selling thousands of buses serving as the Vice President of International Sales at Blue Bird until he retired in 1991 and moved to Miami. After his retirement he continued his passion for international sales for another 30+ years by starting his own company, Rodfam, Inc.

As a boy growing up in Cuba, Orlando met and later wed Nery, his childhood sweetheart to whom he was married for 68 years. A loving husband to Nery, Orlando was a pillar of strength and support for his family. Together, they had three children: Tony, Joey and Linda. He was a devoted father, always there to offer guidance and love.

Orlando made Fort Valley his home for several decades, built his own radio station WQBZ (Z106), and was involved in many community projects as a member of the Jaycees where he also made many lifelong friendships. Orlando had many passions in life, including a lifelong love of baseball, reading, and writing. He could always be found with a book in his hand or watching a game of baseball. He also enjoyed sharing stories of his travels and published a book “El Viajero” (The Traveler) at the age of 90.

Orlando is survived by his devoted wife Nery, his two sons, Tony (Keith) and Joey (Vickki), his daughter, Linda (Allen), his grandson, Austin O’Niell, and his brother Tony Rodriguez (Joan), as well as many nieces, nephew, and friends who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Luis Rodriguez.

Funeral services will be held on Monday May 19th at 6:00 pm in the Chapel of Caballero Rivero Funeral Home (8200 SW 40th Street) in Miami, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238, or by phone, 203-229-0464, Option 3.

Rest in peace, dear father. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.