Joseph T. Rodriguez – Donora

 
Joseph T. Rodriguez, age 99, of Donora, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Cambridge Creek-side Senior Living in Charle- roi with his loving family by his side. He was born Oct. 24, 1921, in Anmoore, W.Va., the son of the late Manuel and Delfina Bango Rodriguez. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Grazzini Rodriguez on Jan. 20, 1999; two sisters, Mary Dunn and Angelina Jericho; and three brothers, Louis, Angel and Manuel Rodriguez. Joe was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Surviving to cherish his memory are his daughter, Diane (David) Suski of Donora; three sons, Thomas (Linda) Rodriguez of Belle Vernon, Ken (Susan) Rodriguez of Lewes, Del., and Barry (Nancy) Rodriguez of Bethel Park; eight grandchildren, Tom Rodriguez, Tim (Michelle) Rodriguez, Tammy (Mike) Hamed, Tracey (Ryan) Russell, Krista (Keeran) Lewis, Becca Rodriguez, David (Shelly) Suski and Amanda (Shawn) Pratt; 16 great-grandchildren, Tom, Tatum, Taylor, Tessa, Mikey and Joey Rodriguez, Madison and Morgan Hamed, Abby, Max and Cody Russell, Greyson and Oaklynn Suski, Kamden Lewis, Hudson and Makenna Pratt; and one great-grandchild, baby Suski, due in August. Joe is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Joe was a veteran of World War II, serving as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army 96th Fighter Control Squadron. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He spent decades working in the auto industry at several local car dealerships and enjoyed his retirement years happily working part time at Massafra Funeral Home. Joe was a longtime member of the Donora Senior Center, where he enjoyed calling bingo each week and delivering for the Meals on Wheels program. His deep love and devotion to his Saint Andrew the Apostle church family was evident by the countless hours spent over the years volunteering his time and services whenever needed. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Cinci and Dolores, Via Quest Hospice and the staff at Cambridge Creekside for their support and the compassionate care they provided. Arrangements are being handled by ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Donora, Pa., where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Thursday June 17, 2021, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Donora Campus at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Father Kevin Dominik celebrating. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monongahela, Pa. Full military honors will be accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 1 Park Manor Road, Donora, PA 15033. To be socially responsible during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to require guests to obey social distancing guidelines and personal protection guidelines which include masks within the funeral home. Thank you. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.