John Rodriguez

THE MAN. THE WARRIOR. THE LEGEND. The soul of Johnny Barriera Rodriguez, Sr. eased into eternity as his body proclaimed "it is finished" when it transitioned at home in the arms of his loving wife, Valeria. John, as he is commonly known, died unexpectedly and suddenly on July 15, 2021 in Bristow, VA. He was born January 24, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York to Antonio Rodriguez and Myrna Barriera, who predeceased him when he was a toddler. John was raised by his beloved Uncle Emilio and Aunt Elisa Gonzalez, who predeceased him in 2014 at the age of 103 years. He graduated from New York City Department of Education's High School of Art and Design in June 1980 then attended the State University of New York College at New Paltz where he majored in Communications. John was a college cross country runner and participated in many New York City marathons. On May 28, 1993 he married the love of his life, Valeria Watson, in Poughkeepsie, NY. Their harmonious relationship, coupled with incredible chemistry, oozed the kind of love that lasts beyond physical separation into the forevers. John had four amazing children: Brendan, Johnny Jr., Sahan and a beautiful daughter, India. John's career spanned over 40 years in the professional development and youth empowerment arena within school districts and family service agencies in New York and Virginia. He worked on numerous state and federal contracts utilizing his martial arts and extensive behavioral management training to provide crisis intervention and social emotional support to students and families. This philosophy of Akido, focuses on harmonizing with your opponent to bring peaceful resolutions, are prevalent in curriculum and training modules, he created, that are still being used today in New York public school systems. On January 26, 1997 John was baptized under the leadership of Bishop James E. Hunt, a man he loved and respected dearly, of Beth-El Church of God In Christ, Poughkeepsie, NY,. He would daily read the Bible and believed in sowing and helping others. He would always say, "What you do for others, God does double for you." He was an avid reader, watched historic documentaries and was a student of the Jeet Kune Do Martial Arts created by renowned martial artist, Bruce Lee. John was a Salsero, a music connoisseur, he played various musical instruments and loved jamming with his children. John loved a good cigar. He mastered the knowledge of taste and aroma, making him a cigar aficionado. John was a selfless human being who lived his life as a servant leader. He is also known as being a father-figure and mentor to many. He was extremely proud of his Puerto Rican culture and heritage. He enjoyed authentic Puerto Rican cuisine with some of his favorite Latin dishes being cuchifritos, alcapurrias and pernil. John is survived by his beautiful wife Valeria of Bristow, VA; three creative sons, Brendan Rodriguez, Brooklyn, NY; Johnny B. Rodriguez, Jr., Atlanta, GA; Sahan Rodgriguez, Poughkeepsie, NY, and daughter India Jade Rodriguez, Lawton, OK; two granddaughters, Araya Rodriguez, Poughkeepsie, NY and Karter Rodriguez, Atlanta GA; two sisters Myrna Lamas, Yucaipa, CA and Milagros Rodriguez, East Northport, NY. Two siblings, Antonio Rodriguez and Marta Acevedo who predeceased him. John will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He absolutely loved his wife's family and the Watson family loved him. Without a doubt, John was one of the best sons-in-love, brothers-in-love and uncles in the whole wide world. Rest in peace our beloved. "And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4 The funeral home will be following Covid-19 measures. Temperatures will be taken at the door, masks are required, and social distancing will be practiced. To view the services, please click on the following video: