George Rodriguez

George Rodriguez passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving wife, Elizabeth Rodriguez. He was born on June 9, 1940 in New York City the son of Francisco Rodriguez and Lysis Martinez. George was one of six children raised on 104th Street in Spanish Harlem. He is survived by his children, Desiree and Francisco and their children, Andrew and Gregory. His step children, Robert and Liza and their children, Vivian, Juliet, Alexi, Logan and Tatum, Great Granddaughter Reilly And his brother, Rafael.

George was a complex man who lived life on his own terms chasing adventures, taking risks, and fulfilling his dreams. He was a strict and regimented parent, a loving and loyal husband and to friends around him, the life of the party. George first enlisted in the US Navy and then dedicated over 20 years of service to the US Army and NY Police Department simultaneously which embodied his true purpose in life. George was passionate and committed to crafting his legacy in both roles rising in the ranks to become a Chief Warrant Officer 4 and Detective 3rd grade. At the core of his foundation was a mastery in martial arts guiding him through the principles of life as a Detective, Intelligence Officer, Special Agent, Correction Officer, and Interrogation Section Leader. He excelled in martial arts which was the core of his foundation. He mastered every level he sought after while still reaching for the next goal or challenge. Upon retirement from the NYPD, he went on to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as a Correction Officer while completing 2 overseas missions in Saudi Arabia and Panama.

His passions were vast, involving running with the NY Roadrunners Club and completing various marathons, jumping out of planes and helicopters, crewing in New York and in the New England waters, practicing and competing in martial arts (karate, judo) achieving black belt status, taking his Harley on rides with his motorcycle club, Blue Knights, on his Harley Davidson, hitting the golf course or simply hitting the range to perfect his marksmanship.

In recent days, George repeatedly mentioned he lived a great, fulfilling life having no regrets at 85 and in his familiar phrase in not saying goodbye, his words resonate, “See you When I see You, Talk to You when I Talk to You.”

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225, on May 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location on May 27, 2026, beginning at 11:30 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218, on May 27, 2026, at 1:30 pm.