Ernie Rodriguez, Jr.

Ernesto (Ernie) Rodriguez, Jr, 62, was peacefully handed to God on Monday, May 29, 2023, with his husband, David Shull, by his side. He was born in Kingsville, Texas on September 27, 1960, to Ernesto and Gloria Rodriguez.

Ernie grew up in Houston, spent time in McAllen, Texas, and has lived in New Jersey since 1996. Ernie and David also shared a home in San Antonio, Texas.

Retail was Ernie’s calling. He started working retail in high school, and then after graduating, he had a successful career in management at major national department stores. He was quickly and frequently promoted because of his dedication, professionalism and charisma. He was also a leader in The Builders Club, a group of managers that organized charitable events, and he enthusiastically supported charities such as the March of Dimes.

In 1996, Ernie was given an opportunity to create a customer service department for a new US start-up company. That company is now JURA Inc, where Ernie spearheaded and led the customer service department for 27 years. His commitment to the job was legendary – despite his battle with cancer, he was in the office working the Saturday before he passed.

Ernie loved the arts, including Broadway, movies, ballet and opera, and he loved travel, with Paris and Disney World as especially memorable destinations. One of his favorite pastimes was relaxing at home with his husband and their beloved cat Dixie. Nothing was more important to him than spending time with family and friends. He was compassionate, smart, creative and funny, and he always and forever put others first.

His lifelong partner David describes him as “the best of the best.”

Ernie was preceded in death by his brother Roberto (Bob) Rodriguez and niece Marissa Renae Rodriguez. In addition to his beloved husband and parents, he is survived by his siblings John Rodriguez (wife Debbie), Lori Ratcliffe (husband Sam), and Gloria Esther Hopkins (husband Stephen). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nephews who he left with so many special memories.

The family will be organizing a remembrance of Ernie Rodriquez in Houston at a future date. The family would be honored if those who loved Ernie would make a donation in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, or a charity that is near and dear to their hearts.