Angel Rodriguez

Angel Luis Rodriguez, affectionately known as “Papi,” “Pops”, “El Brothel,” “Tio,” and “Abuelito,” was born on August 31, 1932, in Salinas, Puerto Rico, to the late Jesus Rodriguez and Maria Rivera. He passed away on July 31, 2025, at the age of 92, just a month shy of his 93rd birthday.

During his early adult years, Angel, along with his brother Reinaldo, moved to the United States and settled in New Jersey. There, he met and fell in love with Maria Aquirre. They recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on January 23rd. Their union blessed them with four children.

Angel cherished God and his family. He became a deacon and dedicated himself as a devoted messenger in the Catholic Church Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Paterson, New Jersey. After retiring, he returned to his beloved Puerto Rico.

Angel, a factory operator at Sun Chemical Corporation in Paterson, New Jersey, for over twenty-five years, found joy in his hands-on work. He was a gardener and a skilled craftsman, creating model airplanes and various other objects. Above all, Angel was a devoted man who loved God and dedicated his life to helping others. He never met a stranger and loved engaging in conversations and offering assistance.

Despite facing challenges with dementia in his later years, Angel remained strong for his wife, Maria, whom he affectionately called “La Mas Bella” (the most beautiful). Throughout his life, Angel had several memorable sayings, but one that will forever be etched in our memories is “God bless you, God bless America, and God bless Puerto Rico.”

Angel is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Maria Aguirre; their daughter, Gloria; and their sons, Angel, Raphael, and Hector. They also have eleven grandchildren: Manuel, Daniel, Paul, Heidi, William, Christina, Michelle, Jennifer, Peter, Angela, Jeannie, and Jason. Angel’s family also includes thirteen great grandchildren: Matthew, Gabriella, Caleb, Jayden, Christian, Jolina, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Joshua, Jacob, Carly, Janelle and Bianca.

Angel is also survived by four siblings, Francisca “Paquita” Rodriguez, Reinaldo Rodriguez, Concepción “Conchita” Rodriguez de Torres, and Luis Rodriguez. He was preceded in death by six siblings: Jose Rodriguez, Ana Mercedes Rodriguez, Juan Rodriguez, Lucilla “Lucy” Rodriguez de Colón, and Johnny Rodriguez, whom he now joins in heaven.

Prayer service will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1:00pm at Horis A. Ward, Fairview Chapel 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281.