Mr. Jose A. Rodriguez Jr.

Mr. Jose A. Rodriguez, Jr., age 38, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center as the result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. At the time of his passing, his loving family was by his side. Jose was born in Puerto Rico on December 27, 1972. As a young man, he relocated to Utica and attended T.R. Proctor High School. On April 5, 2000 he married the former Patricia Papanicolaou. Jose was a good husband, father, and friend, and above all, he loved his children dearly. Jose currently worked at Lowe’s in New Hartford in the shipping/receiving and customer service departments. He held prior positions at Pep Boys in the service department and at Carbone Honda in both sales and service. Jose was a respectful man who held true to his beliefs and convictions. He lived life his way, but always his family came first. He was a poppi who played with his children, and a son who spent time with his mother. He always had a smile upon his face, and he was loved by all who knew him. Every night he would perform the customary 8:00 p.m. goodnight talk with his kids, whom he considered his greatest accomplishment in life. He lived for them. In his spare time, he enjoyed bike riding, fishing, and rafting. During his childhood years, he was raised in the Catholic faith. Jose is survived by his wife, Patricia; 6 children of whom he was so proud, Jacqueline, Anthony, Emilio, Christian, Ethan, and Joshua; his grandson, Mikaiden; his mother, Aida Sierra; his father, Jose Rodriguez, Sr.; his brother, Benguie Rodriguez and Benguie’s children, Enrico Rodriguez, and Gennaro Rodriguez. Also left to mourn his sudden passing are his aunts and uncles, Julia and Roberto Melendez, and Alberto and Emma Melendez; his best friends whom he loved like brothers, Mirza Perkmez, Julio Solano, and Tony Tucciarone; his Melendez family cousins, Nilsa, Roberto, Jr., Billy, Edwin, Joel, Darwin, and Andy; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gizella and Vasilious Papanicolaou; and sister-in-law, Melissa Papanicolaou. Jose was also blessed with many friends and co-workers whose friendships he held close to his heart. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Agustin and Ramona Soto Rosario; and Pablo Sierra. Jose’s family extends a special thank-you to Lowe’s and Jose’s friends for all the support and kindness they provided during this difficult time. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the family enabling them to set up a trust for Jose’s children. Jose’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Jose A. Rodriguez Jr.

December 27, 1972 - July 26, 2011