Born March 9, 1930, Matias grew up in Edcouch, Texas. He enlisted in the Army on July 21, 1954 — precisely 66 years prior to his death — and served as an Engineer in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged June 30, 1962.
Shortly thereafter, Matias moved to Stuart, joining St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and traveling to farms in Michigan, Texas and Florida for work. Known for his green thumb, Matias opened the first “pick-your-own” strawberry farm at the corner of Locks Road and Kanner Highway. He later started his own landscaping business, and kept the grounds for Kingswood Condominiums.
An avid gardener, Matias grew avocados, mangos, pepper plants, palm trees, and frangipanis, graciously sharing fruits and plantings with friends and family members. He also enjoyed playing Bingo and watching Telemundo.
Matias is survived by his wife, Maria Rodriguez; his daughter, Maria (Lupita) Beck; granddaughter, Victoria Lee Beck; and son-in-law, Richard Lee Beck. Matias is predeceased by his son, Matias Rodriguez Jr., and his wife, Lisa Marie Rodriguez, as well as their children, Dallas Marie Rodriguez and Daniel Rodriguez.
Matias’s widow would also like to recognize her son, Marcos Delgado, who served as Matias’s caretaker in the years leading up to his death, as well as his wife, Kelly Delgado, and Maria’s other numerous children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, who were a great source of help and comfort in Matias’s final years.
A private service will be held for Matias Sunday, July 26, followed by a graveside burial at a family plot in Fern Hill Cemetery in Stuart.
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