Jon Lee Rodriguez

Jon Lee Rodriguez passed away on May 21, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the age of 75. He was born on December 25, 1950, at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. Jon spent his youth on a farm in Rifle, Colorado. He attended Rifle High School where his classmates called him "Johnny Pie." Within his family circle, he was known fondly as “Lee.” After completing his junior year of high school in Rifle, he felt a duty to serve and enlisted in the United States Army. He and his wife, Connie Blair Rodriguez, embarked on their new life together through his military service. Connie preceded him in death.

Jon was a man of many talents who found great fulfillment in technical and outdoor pursuits. He was a skilled woodworker and vehicle mechanic—the classic "tinkerer" who could fix almost anything. His love for the outdoors was often expressed through camping and fishing trips with his wife, family and friends.

Military Service and Decorations

First Sergeant Rodriguez earned his GED from the State of Colorado following his service in Vietnam and went on to a distinguished twenty-year career (November 1968 – February 1989). Specializing as an Aircraft Maintenance Sergeant 67V (Helicopter Repairman), his tenure was defined by selfless service and commitment to excellence. He served in critical roles including aircraft Technical Inspector, Aviation Maintenance Section Chief, Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant. His technical mastery led to his appointment as the Battalion Aircraft Maintenance NCO for the 4th Aviation Battalion at Fort Carson, and he later served as the S3 Operations Sergeant, where he established vital testing protocols and defense plans.

As a First Sergeant, he expertly oversaw the Army's most costly equipment and mentored countless soldiers. For his meritorious service, he was honored with numerous decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (x2), the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal (6th Award).

Professional Career

Following his military retirement, Jon transitioned his technical skills into a successful civilian career. After an apprenticeship in carpentry, he owned and operated Jon’s Home Repair and Maintenance. His expertise in machinery maintenance later led him to manage industrial laundry and dry cleaning equipment for Dollar/Elite Cleaners and his own repair service. He eventually moved into facilities management, serving as a maintenance technician at Residence Inn North and concluding his career as the Director of Maintenance at the Courtyard by Marriott, where he oversaw all technical operations and facility management.

Family and Legacy

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Ramon Rodriguez and Elma Waive West (Antonelli), and his infant brother, Paul Stanley Antonelli.

He is survived by his beloved wife of forty years, Linda Faye (Cobb) Rodriguez. His legacy lives on through his daughters, Susan (Mike) Sluski of Amarillo, Texas and Laura (Mark) Esplin of Delta, Colorado; and his step-children, Richard (Marybeth) Wilcox of Ellington, Connecticut and Lisa Anne Haefner of Windsor Locks, Connecticut. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Thomas (Alexandra) Sluski, Tyler (Kelli) Esplin, Klinton (Breanna) Esplin, Cody (Sadi) Sluski, Kaitlyn (Taylor) Deines, Luke Sluski, Kellie (Alec) Swope, Dylan Wilcox, Justin (Nicole) Haefner, and Amanda (Adam) Jurovaty. His grandchildren describe him as a man of valor and a valiant fighter. They knew him for his courageous and resilient spirit. They consider him a strong guiding light within his family, that he had an industrious nature, and a kind and loving heart. He was considered all-American, and a talented handyman and woodworker. He remained committed to his wife Linda until the end. He was a good old-fashioned (and occasionally stubborn) man, who deeply valued life and made every effort to attend family events and to provide for those he loved while cheering on his beloved Broncos. He leaves behind twenty-four great-grandchildren.

Jon is also survived by his step-father, Robert (Gail) Antonelli and siblings: Myron (Margaret) Rodriguez, Jim (Veda) Waters, Kim (Waynetta) Antonelli, Kyle Antonelli, Ralph (Karla) Antonelli, and Sheryl (Dave) Whitt along with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in the future.