José Ignacio Rodriguez

Rodriguez, José Ignacio

of Clearwater, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. José was born to the late Alicia Meneses Díaz-Albertini and Jorge Rodríguez Tabernilla on March 19, 1960, in Havana, Cuba. José came to the United States with his parents and brother, Oscar, in 1964. His older siblings had been previously shepherded out of Cuba via Operation Pedro Pan. Initially settling in Hialeah, Florida, the family moved several times to St. Petersburg, Houston, Texas, and finally, Belle Glade, Florida. José attended Glades Central High School, where he was an accomplished athlete. José worked with his father and uncle, Rin, eventually becoming a skilled mechanic, adept at working on heavy machinery. José drove a large truck for a time and retired as a mechanic earlier this year. José had one son, Alex. They moved from Belle Glade to Clearwater, Florida in 2000. José was a lifelong sports enthusiast and excelled at golf, racquetball, football, and baseball at various periods. Called Tutí by his family, José was the consummate family man and was always a mainstay at family events, supporting and encouraging family members and celebrating their successes. José's main joy was being with Alex and guiding him in sports. José helped coach his little league teams and supported his son's efforts as a Largo High School Packer standout football player.

José was preceded in death by his son, Alex; his parents, Alicia and Jorge Rodriguez; his beloved grandmother, Adelaida, and other grandparents, José Antonio, Mercy, and Enrique; and his brother, Tony. He is survived by his siblings, Jorge (Renee), of Tampa, Rick (Joyce), of Clearwater, Rosy, The Villages, Oscar (Conchi), Miramar, FL, and Henry (Marlene), El Campo, TX. Jose is also survived by his cousins, who were more like siblings, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in José's memory to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33760. There will be a small family memorial service with burial to follow on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Foreverglades Cemetery, 1500 Gator Blvd., Belle Glade, FL 33430.

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