Benigno J. Rodriguez M.D.

1924 - 2009

Dr. B.J. Rodriguez, of Barry, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield. He was 84 years old.
Benigno Julian Rodriguez-Ramirez was born June 19, 1924, in Caibarien, Cuba, to Benigno Julian Rodriguez and Carlota Maria Ramirez Rodriguez. He married Ruby Sappington on Jan. 3, 1981, and she survives.
Dr. Rod graduated from the University of Havana Medical School, Havana, Cuba, in 1949. He emigrated to the United States and completed a General Rotating Internship at Flower Hospital in Toledo, Ohio, from July 14, 1950 to June 30, 1951. He was then appointed to Lieutenant (Medical Corps) in the United States Navy on Aug. 21, 1953, where he was stationed in Seoul, Korea, as medical adviser from 1953-1956. While in Korea, he applied for a Certificate of Naturalization which was granted on Dec. 12, 1955. After becoming a United States citizen, Dr. Rodriguez adopted the American tradition of using his father's surname, instead of his mother's surname, as was the Cuban tradition. Dr. Rodriguez was honorably discharged from active duty with the United States Navy on Oct. 17, 1956, and from the Naval Reserve on May 26, 1964.
Dr. Rod was licensed as a physician and surgeon in the State of Illinois on March 13, 1953. He was also licensed in the State of Ohio to practice medicine on June 17, 1954. Dr. Rod started his medical practice in Barry in 1957 and served his community tirelessly until his retirement from private practice in 1996. He then enjoyed providing medical care to fellow veterans through the Veteran's Administration at the Illinois Veteran's Home in Quincy from 1997 until 2003, when he fully retired from the medical profession. He served on the Pike County Health Department Board, the Barry School Board, the Barry American Legion Post 222 and as medical director of both the Barry Community Care Center and the Pittsfield Nursing Center for many years. He was a member of the Pike County Medical Society and was a life-member of the American Medical Association due to being a 50-year practicing physician.
"Doc Rod," as he was affectionately known, enjoyed stamp collecting and free-hand drawing, but his greatest passion was his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with and "tormenting" each of his 10 grandchildren and his one great-granddaughter. He played a major role in all of their lives and will always occupy a special place in their hearts.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by two sons, Norman Julian Rodriguez and his wife, Anita, of Quincy, and Bradford J. Rodriguez and his wife, Wendy, of Markdale, Ontario, Canada; three stepchildren, Vicki Prather and her husband, Jeff, of Troy, Mo., and Michael Sappington and Chris Smith, both of Barry; four grandchildren, Shane, Sabrina, Kiira and Kayley Rodriguez; six stepgrandchildren, Keenan Sappington, Cole, Carly and Collin Smith, Tyler and Trent Prather; and one great-granddaughter, Staci Rodriguez. A brother, Antonio Rodriguez and his wife, Turvey, and a sister, Chela Rodriguez, all of New Jersey, survive him. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and three sisters.
Per Dr. Rod's wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation and cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, June 19, 2009, at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Memorials may be made to the Barry Fire Department First Responder's Fund, 867 Main, Barry, IL 62312, or to Illini Community Hospital, Pittsfield, IL 62363.