Gamaliel "Gama" Rodriguez

Gamaliel Rodríguez, age 92, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Born in Corozal, Puerto Rico, Gamaliel, was the son of Alfredo Rodríguez and Josefa Cabañas, and brother of Wilfredo Rodríguez and Irma Morales.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Parish Center (Building D) at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 834 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL 32703.

Gamaliel, or as most called him "Gama", lived a life marked by passion, precision, and quiet strength. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska. After his military service, he continued pursuing his love of aviation. He became a celebrated competitor in the world of remote-control planes and helicopters. His skill and dedication earned him numerous trophies and accolades, but it was his willingness to share his expertise that truly set him apart. As a business owner, he mentored countless enthusiasts, offering guidance and hands-on support to help others take flight – literally and figuratively.

Gama was a man of many talents. Known for his uncanny ability to fix anything, he took care of a friend's Cessna, handling its maintenance and repairs with expert precision. His natural brilliance and deep grasp of aeronautics made him a true authority on anything that flew. He was that smart – able to keep real aircraft safely in the air with nothing but his own knowledge, experience, and determination.

In 1971, Gama married the love of his life, Irma Iris. They remained inseparable until her death on April 18, 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic closures were underway. He worked at ITT Tech, where a workplace accident resulted in the complete loss of his hearing. Despite this life-altering challenge, he never let it slow him down, he adapted with resilience by learning how to read lips.

He was a lifelong learner, always reading – books, manuals, magazines, anything he could get his hands on. The constant hunger for knowledge became the foundation of his wisdom. Whether it was aviation, electronics, or everyday repairs, he taught himself what others needed classrooms to learn.

In his later years, he faced the challenges of dementia. Yet even as his memory faded in some areas, his mind held tightly to the core memories that defined him – his family, and his enduring passion for planes. He could still recall the intricate details of remote-control flight, with clarity and joy, a testament to how deeply those passions were woven into his soul.

Gamaliel is survived by his loving daughters, Irisdelma Rodríguez, and Gamaris Rodríguez McNally (James McNally); his grandchildren Adriana, Ashley, Andria, and Isabelle; and his great-grandchildren Lucas, Erik, and Evey. We will carry forward his legacy of lifelong learning, curiosity, perseverance, and courage. He will be deeply missed.

Though his flight has ended, the engines may be quiet, his spirit continues to soar in the skies.