Joseph Anthony Rodriguez Jr

In Loving Memory of Joseph Anthony Rodriguez Jr January 31, 1942 – June 18, 2025

It is with deep love and much sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Rodriguez, after a sudden, but brief illness.

Joe was born in Tampa, FL, to parents Joseph and Clara Rodriguez. He was a graduate of Jesuit High school and active in their sports programs, football and track.

Joe helped his dad at the Phillips Field Race Track during racing season. He so loved the sport that as an adult he became involved with a few Porsche IMSA racing teams. He eventually became crew chief and had participated in many races at the 12 hours of Sebring, 24 hours of Daytona, Road Atlanta, Watkins Glenn, and the 24 hours of Le Mans in France.

Joe was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at the 5 ^th Air Force base in Fuchu, Japan and repaired/maintained the Crypto machines.

When Joe returned from Japan, his electronic experience got him a job at IBM. He spent 30 years installing and repairing large mainframes.

Joe's hobbies, his first love was preparing cars for racing and he was always sharing stories from the race track. He was very involved with photography, had his own dark room when film was used. He loved to make videos of get togethers. Joe was an excellent woodturner. He turned goblets, pens, bowls, and loved trying new techniques. He was a member of Tri County Woodturners in Tampa and often did turning demos and taught others to turn.

Joe is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda, Alice Fessler(sister), Michael Rodriguez(brother), Toni Rodriguez(brother & wife Linda), Joseph Rodriguez III (son & wife Lori), John Rodriguez (son), , Kristine Bredeau(daughter), Jamie Rodriguez(son & wife Jan) as well as 4 grandchildren Stefanie, Alexis, Macy, and Gianna.

Joe is predeceased in death by his Father Joseph Rodriguez Sr, Mother Clara Rodriguez.

There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 11am-12pm at Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society, 1350 E. Burleigh Blvd, Tavares FL 32778.