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Frank Rodriguez Obituary
Frank D. Rodriguez of Lebanon, CT, November 16, 1935 - September 8, 2024 passed away Sunday while doing what he loves: flying.
Born on November 16, 1935, in New York City to Spanish immigrants who came to the U.S. in search of a better life, Frank achieved the American dream through hard work, perseverance, and fearlessness. From a young age, he was fascinated with flying. In high school, he delivered newspapers to pay for flying lessons and earned his pilot's license before learning to drive a car. He sought out adventure joining the U.S. Air Force in the early Cold War to fly fighter jets, including the F-100 and F-105, protecting the homeland and keeping the Soviets at bay in the skies over Europe. After ten years of serving his country, he joined the airlines flying for TWA where he piloted the queen of skies, the 747. He continued flying professionally and recreationally for the rest of his life.
While stationed in Germany, Frank became interested in farming after seeing the idyllic farmlands and visiting an exhibit at his favorite museum, the Deutsches Museum in Munich. In 1971, having no idea what he was getting into, the city slicker bought a farm in Lebanon, CT. He named it Monux after the village in Spain where his parents were from. With his gregarious personality, he quickly embedded himself in the local community, making many friends at the Log Cabin. He took to haying, digging ponds, caring for animals, chopping down trees, and burning brush. At the young age of 45, he embarked on a new adventure of raising a family on the farm with his wife Mary. He gave his family all the opportunities in the world and drove them crazy every day.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Rodriguez of Lebanon, CT; his stepson, Don Marino of Atlanta, GA; and his daughter, Robyn Rodriguez and son-in-law, Roger Duda of Kailua, HI.
A celebration of life for Frank will be held at the Log Cabin in Lebanon on his birthday, November 16, from noon to 4 p.m., where friends and family can have a beer on him. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation on Frank's behalf to the New England Air Museum (https://neam.org/pages/donation-page) or the Lebanon Senior Center.
New England Air Museum
36 Perimeter Road
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Lebanon Senior Center
22 Imogene Lane
Lebanon, CT 06249
Frank D. Rodriguez
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Rodriguez
Judy (Andorfer) Miller
August 17, 2025
I knew Frank in High School at Central Catholic in Fort Wayne, IN and also in grade school at St. Peters. We graduated from CCHS in 1958 and I had the pleasure to see him at one of our class reunions. My condolences to the family. My husband James Miller passed September 5, 2024. He was a Ft. Wayne firefighter 26 1/2 years and a classmate of Frank.
Mary F. Budzik
June 13, 2025
Dear Mrs. Rodriguez,
I just happened to see this and was very sad to hear of Frank's passing. I was a tenant of his in both Norwich (181 Broadway) and later in Lebanon (the blue house on Rt 87). He was always so kind and he allowed me to have dogs--I was very grateful for that! I bought my own home after living in the Lebanon house and he enjoyed giving me advice about that. He was a good man. So sorry. Mary Budzik
Rebecca Bradford
November 13, 2024
My condolences. Frank and my Dad always talked at Center Sports. He was such a great guy and he used to give me advice everytime he'd see me. I'll always remember him picking on me because I painted my nails blue. Definitely always brought a smile to my face.
Steve, Carol and Meagan Vaitses
November 11, 2024
I flew with Frank at TWA and loved flying with him back when he bought the farm raised cows and lived in the barn while fixing up the house got married retired from TWA but flew executive jets.
We´ll all miss frank at the retired TWA pilots breakfast once a month. My deepest sympathies to Frank´s family
Dot Stevens
September 29, 2024
Flying you did love and the Lord took you home flying. You will always be remembered by your jokes and stories. May you rest in peace. LOVE to MARY and Family!! Dot Stevens
Robert Laskarzewski
September 19, 2024
Sad news, condolences to the family
Pete and Sharon Tollmann
September 18, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Douglas vining
September 18, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mary Lou
September 18, 2024
Always ready with a smile and a joke, you drove Amy and Anissa to screams, all the while the three of you loving it. You will be sorely missed.
Tracy Pelletier
September 18, 2024
While our skies feel dim, Heaven´s skies are so much brighter.
Peace, love, and sympathy to you, Mary, Robyn, & Don.
Katelyn Gardiner
September 17, 2024
Katelyn Gardiner
September 17, 2024
Katelyn Gardiner
September 17, 2024
Katelyn Gardiner
September 17, 2024
Katelyn Gardiner
September 17, 2024
Katelyn Gardiner
September 17, 2024
I met Frank when I was 15 and he took me in like one of his own. I learned everything I know because of him. I absolutely adored Frank and he the same with me. I was his "jet goddess" I will miss his beautiful soul. I have never met anyone like him. I have always loved him and that will never change..Chase the blue skies.
Greg and Sue Macway
September 17, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through this time. Frank was a funny, wonderful and kind person. He had great stories about his life as a pilot, he will be missed very much.
Vincent Amoroso
September 17, 2024
My sympathy and sorrows to Franks family and friends Although I didn't know Frank personally I was stationed at SJAFB at the time he was so many decades ago. Looking back at those days, they were good ones after all. And as an F105 pilot I'm sure Frank was living his dream of soaring with the eagles and continued to do so after his service time was done. Well done Frank, well done. Wheels down airman.
Bob Lettieri
September 17, 2024
A privilege and indeed a pleasure to have known him- condolences
In addition to have been stationed with him at SJAFB in the 4th TAC Air Command- F- 105 s- of note, a unique pleasure to enable his Bazooka Bubble Gum habit. Would always leave a bag of gum with Jimmy with his name on it. Fair winds and following seas my friend ( it´s appropriate)Frank is wheels
Down
Endeavor to Persevere
Bazooka- aka Bob Lettieri
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