Juan Rodriguez Colon

Today, we gather to honor a man who was truly the blueprint for great men and women-a man whose life taught us what strength, sacrifice, love, and legacy really look like.

Born a warrior on February 14th, 1936, in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, he entered this world with character already etched into his spirit. From humble beginnings, he grew through determination, grit, and an unwavering devotion to his family-his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

His heart was rooted in his culture and his upbringing, and he never let any of us forget where we came from. He carried Puerto Rico with him in every story, every lesson, and every joke he shared.

His main joy outside of family was farming-working the land with the same dedication he gave to everything in his life. But his greatest harvest was the family he raised and the legacy he built.

In 1967, he made the courageous decision to move to the United States alone, determined to build a better life and chase the American dream. A year later, in 1968, he sent for his wife and children so they could join him in the life he was already working tirelessly to create.

When he first arrived, he worked at an Asian laundromat for just $80 a week. But he never complained. He never gave up. There were times he worked three jobs just to provide for his family, because in his eyes, failure was never an option.

By 1970, he was working for the Board of Education in New York City. Despite having little formal education, he accomplished greatness through hard work and sheer willpower. He proved that success isn't about where you start, but how hard you're willing to keep going.

He married the love of his life, Santa, and together they built 50 years of love, partnership, and unshakable devotion. His favorite saying was "Amar a Dios." He lived by those words and taught us to do the same.

He was funny, always telling jokes, always bringing joy into the room. He was a man who reminded his children-and all of us-of his struggles growing up in poverty, not for sympathy, but to teach gratitude, resilience, and pride in our roots.

Throughout his lifetime, he achieved what many only dream of-he owned five houses, built a solid foundation for his family, and left behind a legacy stronger than any material possession.

He lived loved, and he leaves loved. And though he has now reunited with his beloved Santa in heaven, his spirit continues to guide us. He passed as the hero he always was-one who deserved a medal of honor for the battles he fought and the victories he earned.

He may be gone from our sight, but he will continue to live in our hearts, in our stories, and in the generations who walk the path he paved.