Jesus O. Rodriguez's Obituary
Jesus “Jesse” Rodriguez,75, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2021. Jesse, a
lifelong Tampa resident was born in Ybor City on August 18,1945, at a time when Ybor
City was close-knit and family members lived blocks apart.
He loved growing up in Ybor City, playing at Cuscaden Park and Bakers Pool Hall. His
neighbor had a monkey tree, his grandmother had a mango tree. His mother was the
best Spanish cook in Tampa and his father appreciated the fish he would bring home
from all of his fishing adventures.
An avid fisherman beginning as a boy along the seawalls of Clearwater Beach, lobster
trips in Key West, trolling the Bay, and snook fishing on the docks of the Gulf’s
Intracoastal waterways.
He had a full, wonderful life and did what he enjoyed most: fishing, traveling and
cooking. His favorite trips were repeated over the years, with several visits to Spain to
celebrate his Asturian heritage, New Orleans for Jazz Fest and Key West for lobster
season.
Jesse followed his father’s footsteps working in the restaurant and car business and had
many lifelong friendships that he cherished. He was the best father that he could be to
his daughter and two sons. He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his
children Jessica Rodriguez, Jesse Rodriguez, and Jason Almerico and sister Yolanda
Rodriguez, brother Le Roy Almerico, five grandchildren and many cousins, nieces &
nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future for family and friends.
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