David S. "Rico" Rodriguez

        David S. “Rico” Rodriguez, age 47, died on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at his residence in Bluffton, Ohio.

         He was born on May 2, 1968 in Coldwater, Ohio to Henry and Betty (Henderson) Rodriguez who preceded him in death.  On October 2, 1993 he married Cheryl R. Shasky and she survives in Harrod.

         Rico was working on opening Rico's Roadhouse Restaurant at the corner of State Route 235 and Old Route 30.  He painstakingly worked on a major renovation to the 150 year old structure, with efforts to preserve its rich history.  He was one with the earth and soil and truly believed that food was meant to be eaten fresh from the garden, he was a true farm to table visionary. Rico was well known for catering important life events in his community and often cooking for his friends and neighbors with new and creative dishes. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church of Ada.    
      Rico worked endlessly and gained respect from his local community from the countless number of volunteer hours he gave to the game of baseball, by coaching and mentoring for many years at many different levels. His mission was to create a worthy and respectful sports program that was competitive in order to prepare the young people for their life during and after sports.
        He is also survived by his two sons: Airek (Carissa) Rodriguez of Celina and Ben Rodriguez of Bluffton; two daughters: Audrey Rodriguez of Bluffton and Alexandria Rodriguez of Bluffton; a granddaughter, Viviene Rodriguez; two brothers: John (Diane) Rodriguez of Celina and Tony (Christine) Rodriguez of St. Marys; and two sisters: Vickey (Larry) Miller of Celina and Tammy (Rocco) Farello of El Segundo, CA.

         Rico was preceded in death by a brother, Tommy Rodriguez and a sister, Nancy Rodriguez.

         A mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 6, 2016 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 300 East Highland Avenue, Ada, Ohio with Father David Young officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bluffton.

         Friends may call from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada. A Prayer Service will begin at 8:00 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.

         In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, P.O. Box 38, Ada, Ohio 45810 for the benevolence of the family.