Darrelle Joseph Rodrigue, 74, a resident of Baton Rouge and a native of New Orleans, LA, passed away surrounded by his family on October 9, 2023 at Baton Rouge General Hospital-Bluebonnet. He was born in New Orleans on October 25, 1948 and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Thomas Joseph Rodrigue, Sr. and Eva Kennedy Rodrigue. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 36 years, Maydie Ross Rodrigue, his twin sister, Darlene Phipps (Freddie), his brother, Thomas Joseph Rodrigue, Jr. (Cheryl), and his sister, Sandra Mancuso. He is also survived by his loving caregiver sister-in-law, Janet Ross, his brother-in-law, Gary Ross, and sister-in-law Pam Ross as well as twelve nieces and nephews. Darrelle graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School and worked as a sheet metal mechanic and purchasing agent for Hozler Sheet Metal Works in New Orleans until 1993 when he unfortunately suffered a massive stroke and was confined to his residence until a week before his death. Prior to this, he was a Vietnam Veteran and also served honorably in the Louisiana Army National Guard in the 3673rd Maintenance Company at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans after his service in Vietnam. He retired from the Army as a Staff Sergeant (E6). He was a member of the American Legion Post Crescent City 125. Darrelle was an avid Saints and LSU fan and enjoyed watching them whenever he got the chance. He thoroughly enjoyed bowling and fishing. He was a lifelong Catholic; his faith was gentle and strong. A special thank you goes out to his in-laws, previously mentioned, for their undying support to Maydie in assisting in the care of Darrelle for over 30 years. A heartwarming thank you goes to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the ICU unit B of the Baton Rouge General Hospital- Bluebonnet. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service on October 14, 2023 at 1pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70815 and the visitation will begin at 11a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Darrelle Joseph Rodrigue can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (1875 Eye Street NW Suite 1100, Washington, D.C. 20006), The Gideons International (P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800), or Brain Injury Association of America (3057 Nutley Street # 805, Fairfax, Virginia 22031-1931).
