Edwin Francisco Rodriguez

Edwin Francisco Rodriguez's journey began at birth on October 22, 1979, to his parents, Edwin Francisco Oquendo and Lori Rodriguez in Brooklyn, New York. His earthly journey ended on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Edwin confessed Christ at the age of 10 and joined John 3:16 Stamford Church under the leadership of Pastor Jesus Garcia. He was raised in Brooklyn, New York until the age of 11 at which time his family relocated to Hartford, Connecticut. Edwin's formative years of education were in the Hartford and Bridgeport School Systems. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1999 and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. His primary specialty was Infantry, Gun Crews and Seamanship Specialist. Edwin had a love for learning. He loved to read, particularly his Bible and he loved praising God. Edwin knew the Bible inside and out; and he loved to teach The Word to his family and others who knew him. Edwin was baptized, in Jesus' name, at the Upper Room Christian Center in September of 2024. He spoke several different languages including Hebrew, Spanish, French, Italian and he was in the process of learning Mandarin. Edwin also loved to learn about Law. He definitely had the gift of gab he would have become a lawyer if given the opportunity. Edwin was a very loving and hands-on father. He was very active in whatever his kids chose to do. He especially loved teaching Little Eddie to play basketball. Edwin had a heart of gold. He loved helping those in need and he loved ministering to them. He was the glue to his entire family. He brought everyone together again by starting a family group chat and he called it "The Priesthood". Every day he would send a message to everyone to encourage them. Edwin was blessed with many gifts, skills and talents including a beautiful voice (he had a passion for singing and dancing). He sang on many platforms, including The Sally Jessy Raphel Show; The Maury Povich Show (to name a few). He also worked with a plethora of famous recording artists, too many to name. But we will mention that he sang at Mary J. Blige's sister's wedding. Edwin had a passion for kickboxing and Kung Fu (Wing Chun) - which he taught to his wife and their kids. He became a Certified Health and Fitness Trainer at Bagwell Academy of Martial Arts, LLC in July of 2021. After receiving his certification, he started a personal training business called "Grindlyfe". Edwin was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a truck driver. He had a unique entrepreneurial spirit. He started a carpet cleaning company, "Fresh Rugz"; a credit repair company, "Upgrades". His most recent venture was to start a trucking company with his family. Edwin leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and loving wife, Teresa; their children, Ytalia Daisy (who he affectionately called "Taliboo"); and Edwin, Jr. (who he called "Jun Jun"). Edwin also leaves a son, Damian of FL; and two daughters, Nadia of Milford and Britinie of Waterbury; his father, Edwin Francisco (Amy) Oquendo; his mother, Lori Rodriguez; his paternal grandmother, Esther Mejjas Sparks of VA; maternal grandfather, Pedro Jose Rodriguez of PA; three brothers, Edwin of Waterbury; Robert (Veronica) of Washington State; David (Jackie), of Middletown; three sisters, Jessica (David) of TX; Natasha of Waterbury; and Isabella of Bridgeport. Mother-in-law, Luisa Scirocco of Hamden; sister-in-law, Vittoria Mills (partner, Jeff Smith); brother-in-law, Claudio Scirocco (Lauren); nieces, Leannie; Harmony; Alani; Lilah; and Julianna; nephews, Stilen; Neji; David; Josiah; Renji and David, Jr.; a host of uncles; aunts; cousins and other relatives and friends. He also leaves a special uncle, Kevin Johnson, who was like a role model to him, and a special aunt, Lisa Rodriguez. He also leaves a special friend, CJ (Karen) of NC. Edwin was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Daisy Lee Johnson; maternal great-grandmother, Mozelle Barbee; maternal father-in-law, Antonia Scirocco; stepdad, William Childs; and brother-in-law, Jim Mills. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Upper Room Christian Center, 262 Bee Street, Meriden, CT 06450. A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 12 noon. Everyone is asked to gather directly at the church. At the request of the family, the burial will be held privately. The John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Edwin, please visit our Tree Store.