David Edmund Rodriguez

David Edmund Rodriguez (known as “Rod”) passed away peacefully February 26th, 2021 surrounded by family. He was born August 21, 1929 in Norristown, PA, the son of Rhoda and Abraham Rodriguez. Upon Abraham’s passing, Rhoda remarried Isaac Shute, who was also very special to him. Rod graduated from Haverford High School in 1947. Following graduation, he joined the Army and performed occupation duty in Tokyo, Japan, 1947-1948. He returned home and attended Lycoming College where he was a member of the Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity and graduated in 1953. He reflected fondly on the summer he spent as a Merchant Marine, sailing on tankers for Atlantic Richfield through the Suez Canal to Kuwait.

At Lycoming he met the beautiful and intelligent Marjorie May Mitchell - his greatest stroke of luck. They married in September 1952 and moved to Chester County, PA in 1957. He found great joy coaching little league baseball for sons David and Douglas. Rod retired from Lukens Steel Company following a career in the Rolling Department. He was a member of the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers and the American Iron and Steel InstituteTechnical Committee on Rolling Mills. After 56 happy years together, Marge passed away in October 2008. Later Rod met Dorcas Casey on the Hershey’s Mill golf course, whom he married in June 2012.

Rod enjoyed woodworking and was fondly referred to as “Mr. Fix-It” or “Pop-Pop” by his family. He spent many hours in the woodshop building furniture, doll houses, bowls, cutting boards, and bird houses. He loved vacationing in Florida and golfing, spending many years participating in tournaments. Nothing made him happier than time spent with his grandchildren, cheering them on at sporting events and celebrating their graduations. Rod will be remembered for his work ethic, quick wit, green thumb, hearty breakfasts, affinity for dogs, tractor driving, and walks along the woodline of the 17th hole hunting for golf balls.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rodriguez was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie, and his wife of 2 years, Dorcas Casey. He is survived by his two sons and their spouses: General (Retired) David Rodriguez and his wife Ginny of Alexandria, VA and Douglas Rodriguez and his wife Caroline Bienstock of New York, NY. He is also survived by his brother Tim Rodriguez and his wife Jayne. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Amy, Melissa (Thomas), David (Terrie), Max (Yelena), Zeke, Andrew (Maddie), Teddy (Joe), Francesca, Olivia, and Lily and his eight great-grandchildren: Eliza, Amelia, Molly, Abraham, David, Isla, Jett and Hadley. He leaves behind many Rodriguez & Nugent nieces and nephews as well as grand-nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lycoming College.