Josefa M. Rodriguez

Josefa M. Rodriguez, lovingly known to all as "Benny," of Yonkers, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the age of 74. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Benny touched the lives of all who knew her with her warmth and unwavering love for her family.

Born on November 14, 1950, in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Benny was the cherished daughter of Rosario and Mercedes Perez. She spent her early years in the vibrant community of Baitoa before moving with her family to Brooklyn, New York. She shared a close bond with her siblings - Esmelda, Papito, Tita, Margie, and Robert - and their childhood together was filled with laughter, love, and resilience.

On January 9, 1967, Benny married the love of her life, Luciano Rodriguez. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three daughters - Lisette, Yvette, and Annette - who became the center of their world. Their family grew to include their daughter's husbands, Gabriel, Tony and Vincent and seven adored grandchildren: Gabilis, Ivianni, Gabriel, Gabriella, Tony, Eliana, and Vinnie. Benny and Luciano were a constant presence in their grandchildren's lives, proudly attending school plays, sports games, graduations, and every milestone with hearts full of pride and joy.

A gifted hairdresser, Benny turned her passion into a successful career. Right after graduating from cosmetology school, she opened her own salon - Benny's Magic Scissors - a beloved staple in the Bronx community. Her warm personality and skilled hands made her salon more than a place of beauty; it was a place of connection, comfort, and care.

Benny will be remembered most for her deep love of family, her devotion to the Divino Niño Jesus, her magnetic spirit, and her joy in being surrounded by those she loved. Her home was always open, her heart always full.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Luciano; her loving daughters Lisette (Gabriel), Yvette (Tony), and Annette (Vincent); and her beloved grandchildren, Gabilis (Joseph), Ivianni, Gabriel, Gabriella, Tony, Eliana, and Vinnie. She is also survived by her siblings: Esmelda (Chendo), Tita, Papito (Angie), Margie, and Robert (Audrey); as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Diana Acosta for the exceptional care and love she provided to Benny - your kindness and devotion did not go unnoticed.

Benny's legacy of love, generosity, and strength will live on in all who were lucky enough to know her.

The family will be present on Tuesday, August 26th from 2:00 - 8:00 PM at Ruggiero & Sons, Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Services - 732 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 27th at 10:00 AM at St. John - Visitation Parish - 3021 Kingsbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463. Following the Mass, Josefa will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery - 10 W. Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532.