Joao "Cheech" Simoes Rodrigues

Joao Simoes “Cheech” Rodrigues, age 70 of Pompano Beach, FL passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at his home at Ever April Apts. At the time of his passing, he was with those he loved and cherished the most.

Born in Pedrario, Portugal, on August 25, 1950, Cheech was the son of the late Joao Rodrigues and Alzira Simoes Rodrigues. He lived in Portugal until 1961 when he came to the United States and settled in Bridgeport, CT. On February 13, 1991, he met Cher at Good Times in Bridgeport and from that day forward 13 was their lucky number. They decided to move to Florida in 1997 to begin a new life and they have been celebrating good times together ever since. He worked at Meisner Electric with one of his best friends, Hector Afonso until he retired.

Cheech loved Cher with all his heart. She was his soulmate and the love of his life. He also loved his mother-in-law Gloria so very much, often referring to the three of them as the 3 Musketeers. In addition to his family, whom he loved more than anything else in the world, Cheech loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles, and his favorite car was a 1967 Pontiac GTO. He enjoyed seeing various animals at the different parks and watching them on TV all the time. He was often seen releasing back into the wild the iguanas he caught at Ever April because there were too many in his backyard!

Cheech also had a true love of soccer and his favorite player was Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. He would sit on the edge of the chair yelling GOAL!!!. He was a great soccer player himself and quite fast in his younger days when he played for the Portuguese Club team Vasco Da Gama. Cheech also enjoyed traveling and was very adventurous.

Cheech was known for always putting others before himself. He had a huge heart and was very generous. When he saw children visiting Ever April, he would buy them ice cream at the shop across the street without knowing them because he was so kind and thoughtful. He was kind to everyone and would do anything for anyone.

Cheech will also be remembered for his humor and making everyone laugh. He also loved food and not a day would go by without him saying “I’m Hungry”. When Cher served him food, especially Portuguese Food, he always said “It’s my birthday!” Not many people could imagine that Cheech did this, but Cheech and Gloria, would sit and watch General Hospital every day after dinner.

Cheech is survived by the love of his life, Cher Jakab; his children, Jennifer Rodrigues, and John Rodrigues III; his grandson John Thomas Rodrigues; his sisters, Celeste Esteves and Berta Rodrigues; his brothers, Jose Simoes Rodrigues, Albino Simoes Rodrigues, and Alberto Simoes Rodrigues; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and in-laws including his mother-in-law Gloria Jakab, his father-in-law, Joseph Jakab and Carol Jakab, his mother-in-law. He was predeceased by his sister, Carminda Pereira, and his brothers, Mario Simoes Rodrigues, and Delfin Simoes Rodrigues. Cheech will also be missed by his many friends who loved him so much.

In memory of Cheech, donations may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in his name.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 at the Kraeer – Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 11:00 at the funeral home with the Rev. Patrick Naughton. Burial will follow in Pompano Beach Cemetery. Social distancing and face masks that cover both your nose and mouth are required in accordance with Broward County Regulations at all times.

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Cheech, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of his obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com.