Tomas Delgado

Tomas "Tommy" Rodriguez-Delgado

AGE: 78 •

Tomas Rodriguez Delgado age 78, was quoted as saying he will be "eternally grateful to the City of Vineland, a community of immigrants from all parts of the world." Best known as "Tommy" passed peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2017 in Bishop McCarthy Residence, Vineland.

He was a beloved son of the Vineland Community. In 1955 he moved from his native Caguas Puerto Rico to Vineland where he was first employed by Progresso Foods for 14 years during which time he developed his own business, Rodriguez Brothers, a multicultural department store, run by he and his family. Tommy also extended his business to migrant workers by transporting merchandise to the workers unable to drive to his store for basic essentials.

Always devoted to his Community, Tommy founded a number of Hispanic civic organizations dedicated to hurricane victims in the Caribbean including the Dominican Republic. Ultimately he became the President of the Spanish/American Relief Fund. Tommy also organized numerous radio marathons when he fought to raise money for the needy. He began his campaigns on the old WDVL radio station. Among his civic activities, Tommy's membership included the Puerto Rican Merchants Federal Credit Union and Casa Prac.

He was recognized as the Hispanic Merchant of the Year by the Puerto Rican Social Action Club and received numerous business awards from the Chamber of Commerce including the Business Man of the Year. He was always fascinated by local politics and was a mayoral hopeful in 1980. Although of a humble upbringing with a limited education, he was tickled when he received an Honorary Degree from Cumberland County College. Tommy had a particular passion for baseball, was an avid player and a dedicated sponsor to local Vineland teams. He was inducted into the Latin American Baseball Hall of Fame and founded the Liga Borinquén and Roberto Clemente Softball League.

More than anything, he adored his family and leaves behind his seven children and 19 grandchildren. His beloved wife Marta passed away in 2010.

His family is grateful to the dedicated staff at Bishop McCarthy Residence. Our "Amigo del Pueblo" will be sadly missed.

Funeral liturgy will be held on Thursday September 7, 2017 at 1:00 PM from Divine Mercy Parish 23 W. Chestnut Ave. Vineland. Burial will follow in his hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico at a later date.

Family and friends will be received at the Church from 10:00 AM till 12:45 PM on Thursday. Please visit www.wbfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be using contributions in Tommy's memory for a memorial High School Scholarship in the name of Tommy Rodriquez Delgado. Checks can be made payable to Maritza Gonzalez and mailed to 1739 Roosevelt Blvd Vineland, NJ. 08360

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.