Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jehu Rodriguez Obituary
My husband died today. Even though writing an obituary is a bleak subject, my husband Jehu Rodriguez wants no one to be sad for he lived life to the fullest.
Jehu R. Rodriguez died at the age of 77 Monday, July 6, 2015 in his home in Cincinnati, OH. He was born in Puerto Rico, but moved to Bridgeport, CT at the age of 18. He lived there most of his life and became a resident of Ohio only 2 years ago.
During his life in CT he accomplished many goals. He worked extremely hard. He loved collecting antique cars and could be seen with his red 1959 Cadillac DeVille at classic car shows. He loved to travel and visited 12 countries. He loved to play pool and loved to keep fit. He was a body builder and was often seen swimming in Lake Forest pulling a row boat tied to his back. He also had a sensitive side and loved to garden and plant flowers, but wants no one to think he was unmanly.
Jehu lived in Bridgeport for 60 years and worked at the Merritt Canteen in the mid-60's and became owner in 1982. He was called "Yahoo" and was the grill man with the generous spirit and wide smile. He sold his business to his beloved son in the year 2001 knowing his son would make him proud. Jehu was married to me, Iris Rodriguez for 31 happy years. He had 6 adoring children, Julie Rodriguez, Brenda Lajara, Jay Rodriguez, Darlene Rodriguez, Kesia Rivera and Danielle Cade and 9 grandchildren.
Puerto Rico, Connecticut or Ohio, he will be remembered as a man of inspiration. A man of faith, he was happiest in the ministry and was proud to be a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Despite his debilitating illness he would say "I am down, but not out," as he believes in the hope of the resurrection. "For the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." (John 5:28, 29)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jehu Rodriguez
July 18, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family. My family and I have many fond memories when we were growing up of times spent together.
July 18, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family. My family and I have good memories of times we had spent together growing up.
Patrick Ruggiero
July 18, 2015
I am so sorry to hear the new of Jehu's passing.
Lori Goodson
July 12, 2015
Jay Jr and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. May your family have peace and comfort in knowing that one day you will see him again, healthy and vibrant in paradise.
Alan Lima Sr.
July 11, 2015
I was born and raised in Bridgeport and used to go to the Canteen to see Yahoo and to get his fantastic(Hot) chili cheese burgers. I moved to Maine in 1994, and I would stop in every time I was in
town. The last time I saw Yahoo, he had a huge smile on his face. I said to him, I see you still have those Big arms, with out missing a beat, he flexed his bicep and we both had a good laugh. I would always get some chili to take home with me to Maine. He was a great man, loved his family and his customers. It was a Blessing to know him.
Tom Wilson
July 11, 2015
My sincere condolences to family and friends. It is sad to hear of the passing of someone who is a good memory. Even many years later when I visit Bridgeport and go to the Canteen I can still see that smile behind the counter.
Alicia and Rich Tuozzoli
July 11, 2015
Jay and family, you're in our thoughts and prayers.
Chaves Bakery II
July 11, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss . Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time ...
Nancy Lackups
July 10, 2015
Jay Jr and all the families, I am so sorry for your sadness. There is no one that I know who does not remember Lorraine, with Jay, Ray, Bobby and Becky(?). We all grew up with them taking care of us kids and later, as adults, at the Canteen. Yahoo never forgot any of us, and always greeted me with a smile and some kind words every time. R.I.P Jehu, and may God grant your family strength and peace during this difficult time.
Phil & Melody Pacelli
July 10, 2015
Jay and family our deepest sympathies for the loss of "yahoo". From the early sixties every time we went to the canteen your father always had a smile and a good word. Not only did he enjoy hard work he also loved the people he came to know. May God Bless You. Phil & Melody Pacelli
Angelo Garcia
July 10, 2015
Jay, sorry for your lost. My prayers are with you, and your family.
Charles Bennett
July 10, 2015
Jehu Rodriguez Sr. known to many as Jay or Yahoo was a hard working man who would always have time to shake your hand and remember your name with a big smile on his face.That smile will remain in our hearts and memories as you pass on o your reward in heaven. Goodbye Jay the pleasure was all mine to have known you, Charlie B.
July 10, 2015
Jay & family,
So very sorry to hear of "Yahoo" passing..He was a warm man who gave everyone his million dollar smile! Back in the day he would always treat you the same if you spent one dollar of thirty dollars, and always put up with us "hanging out" at the canteen!! We will always have fond memories of him as he was truly part of our childhood and growing up. And I know many others feel this way. What a beautiful tribute you have shared with us.. May he rest in peace and may your family find comfort knowing he was loved by so many!
Joe & Janine DiGirolamo
Alicia Pulieri
July 9, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I grew up in Bridgeport for 40yrs. I love eating at the Merrit Canteen. Jesu Rodriguez "Yahoo" will always be remembered❤
Pat Addenbrooke
July 9, 2015
Nothing else to say but a Great Man Knew him most my life
vince and marta cuminotto
July 9, 2015
Dear Iris, Daniel and Jay, I am so sorry to hear about Jehu, but I know that he held firmly to the resurrection hope. Jeho and I got baptized at the same place and at the same time on April 20, 1968. I remember when he would shake hands, first he would lift his hand up and slap your hand real hard. LOL. Dear Iris, Marta's and my heart go out to you.
Beverly Addenbrooke
July 9, 2015
Jay and Julie and family Sorry for your loss. What he was to you will be with you forever Julie what I remember most is your father at your graduation from John Winthrop.By chance sitting next to each other,every time your name was mentioned he would tap me and tell me that is my daughter He was so proud .
All will miss him Beverly Addenbrooke
Joe Visconti
July 9, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Yahoo was a great guy. I have many memories of him growing up and going to the Canteen. He will be missed.
Becky Baldelli
July 9, 2015
I worked with jay for a long time. We had our days but we always got the job done. He was a hard worker and as I think of us I think of three of us with Ray jay and me Becky. I am so sorry to hear of his passing but he will be with us after the reserve toon. He is in gods hands now and we will look forward to seeing him again. Iris I send my sincere condolences to all the family.
David Wilson
July 9, 2015
My condolences and prayers to Jay and the rest if the Family RIP Jehu
Joe Southard
July 9, 2015
Jay and the Rodriguez family I am so sorry for your lost my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you
Kim Escaleira
July 9, 2015
Jay and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Juan Santiago Jr
July 9, 2015
Was a great man and friend, R.I.P. Jeho. Sorry for your loss to the Rodriguez / Roman Family. God bless. He will be missed.
Dolores Pereira
July 9, 2015
To all the Rodriguez family,
Your dad will greatly be missed by all who loved him. We were always at Merritt Canteen, of course me being lots younger than my brother, that was his hangout, I first met YAHOO,through my brother JACK FERNANDES, who was friends with him long before YAHOO, became his landlord on north ave.
We always had great times with plenty of laughter and such awesome times will never be forgotten. Him and my brother loved their cars, always working, washing and waxing them,
Rest in peace Yahoo and thanks for all the great times with your family too. He knew me by my nickname, MIMI, as did his sweet wife. So sorry for your loss
Tom Scanlon
July 9, 2015
Jay, Joyce and All of the Rodriguez Family...My deepest condolences...I remember when "Yaho" started working for Lorraine and when he and Ray bought it....Always a kind word and a friendly smile, a real gentleman whom I will always remember and hope to someday meet again.....
Peter Burke
July 9, 2015
Many memories of the excellent mels I had at the Merritt Canteen ,. RIP and God Bless your family and many friends in their time of sorrow
jamie Robinson
July 9, 2015
I am sorry for your loss i did not know him very well but he new my mom rip he was a lovely man.
Gretchen McPadden-Conte
July 9, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Rodrigues family. We shared so many hours together at the Canteen, working hard to serve our devoted customers in the never ending line. Jay was quite a character who loved his family, friends, working out, & healthy living. God bless him and his loved ones.
Charles Pluchino
July 9, 2015
To Jay Jr , Brenda and The Rodriguez Family.
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Known him from when I was a teenager till he was my neighbor on Strand Strret. Always had a great time talking with him. I remember all the work in did in restoring that Ponitac Firebird. Beautiful car. Your Father was a great man. Someone I'll always remember.
God Bless
Maria Elizabete Baia DaSilva, CHS 88'
July 9, 2015
Very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Thomas Vargo
July 9, 2015
Rest in peace yahoo from your former milk man and customer
Ann Deyo-Lauro
July 9, 2015
To Brenda and Jay Jr. I am very sorry for your loss your father he was a very well like man and will be missed .
daniel bridges sr
July 8, 2015
The world is a COLDER place with his passing He was The mount Rushmore of Bpt An ICON A beautiful person with an infectious smile Never heard him say an unkind thing about anyone R.I.P. You will be missed
Geryl Lynn Lepone-kopcso
July 8, 2015
So sorry for your loss, I have many fond memories of him while I was growing up. He was a sweet man.
Bob Fitzgerald
July 8, 2015
What else can be said about Ya....The dish towel he wore around his neck should be bronzed and put on display...I will miss my friend...
jeanette Brzozowski
July 8, 2015
My condolences to the family- May Yahoo RIP
Larry Leonzi
July 8, 2015
Jay served me many chili dogs over the years. I can't believe he is gone...
john rullan
July 8, 2015
rest in peace jay you are a good man andwill be missed deffinatly a old school bpt guy
July 8, 2015
To The Rodriguez Family, I was sorry to hear of the passing your beloved husband, father & grandfather. To me, he was a close friend, like an older brother, a mentor and someone I am proud to have known. He showed me that if you worked hard that anything was possible. May you rest in peace my friend.
Joe Montes, Milford,Ct
The Savino Family
July 8, 2015
Our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Jennifer Hatrick
July 8, 2015
So sad to hear of his passing. Prayers to the family and the many many friends he has made over the years. I have known him since I was little. Great man
George Harding
July 8, 2015
Met him when he was at Town & Country Diner, lifted weights with him in early 1960's, saw him almost daily at the Canteen, and stopped to see him at the Canteen over the next 35 or 40 years whenever I returned to Bridgeport for visits. A great friend and a great man. My condolences to his family and loved ones. God bless you and RIP my friend.
Diane Burdge
July 8, 2015
Dear Jehu's Family
We knew our dear spiritual brother from the 1970s
In the same congregation in Stratford, Ct. A very
Loving, giving and generous person. Will remember him fondly, as we wait the resurrection,
Diane Burdge and Family, Cartersville, Ga
Jim Tzanavaris
July 8, 2015
Jay Jr sorry to hear of your loss.He will be remembered by many.
John Carraro
July 8, 2015
My family lived across the street from Jehu in Bpt! Also grew up at Merritt Canteen where I saw his friendly smile all the time!!
July 8, 2015
What a beautiful, heartfelt memorial from a wife. God bless you.
John Delgado
July 8, 2015
Rest in Peace my friend,you were always a good person to me and many people that we all knew.We needed more people like you,you are in god's hand now my friend,again Descances en Paz mi amigo
Matthew soleck
July 8, 2015
My condolences to your family i used to work there in the early 90s what a funny guy he was i remember him making the chili and i tried it and loved it he used to call me samolie i was cracking up what a cool person to work for r.i.p yahoo
Dominick Carfi
July 8, 2015
Jay,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. I'm sure that your Dad is in a better place. We will all miss him dearly.
ira woltch
July 8, 2015
Jay ,
My deepest condolences to you & your entire family . My early memories go back to the days when I was a kid , Lorraine owned the Canteen , your dad ran the grill , and Ray ran the window . From ownership to son , your dad will always be remembered as a really nice guy . You once gave me a photo of your dad & me , taken outside the Canteen at your 44th Anniversary blowout . Still have it . Will always cherish it . very sorry to learn of his passing .
July 8, 2015
My condolences to the family of Mr. Rodriguez. Yahoo became an icon in Bridgeport during his days at the Canteen. He greeted everyone by their first name, and always with a smile. A very kind man who will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Cindy Hornyak Rivera
Rocco D'Arcangelo
July 8, 2015
Our condolences to the Rodriguez family! Watching him swim across the lake in his 60's amazed us, along with him being in better shape than most 25 year olds. He was always nice to people at the Canteen which we have gone and continue to go to for ove 30 years. Jay sorry for your loss, know you made your father proud with your energy and new ideas to grow the business. Praying for your family!
rosie from Alexander's
July 8, 2015
Rip yahoo. Thanks for all the years of hot dogs and chocolate milks ...
michael Zeisler
July 8, 2015
always had a smile on whenever I walked intothe canteen
Paige Amado
July 8, 2015
My condolences to the Rodriguez family..I met Yahoo when I moved to Oxford St.in 1965..He is a very nice guy..I am sorry that he is gone but in a better place..Will be truly missed..
Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results
Make a Donation
in Jehu Rodriguez's name
Memorial Events
for Jehu Rodriguez
How to support Jehu's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jehu Rodriguez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
