Octavio Rodriguez Jr's Obituary
Octavio Rodriguez Jr devoted his entire life to serving others. In life he was a proud veteran of the US Marine Corps. His time serving his country instilled in him a diligence and professionalism that eased Octavio in his transition into a career in law enforcement for the Tampa Police Department.
During his time in law enforcement Octavio would give back to his community by creating programs such as C.H.O.I.C.E. which was the predecessor to programs such as ISS or in school suspension. Octavio wanted to give the youth of the Tampa Bay area an opportunity to rectify mistakes they may have made in school that lead to suspension. Students were allowed to work on classroom assignments while suspended as an alternative to receiving all zeros for all assignments missed during their school suspension. During his time in law enforcement Octavio also took pride in serving the Hispanic community of Tampa Bay and held the position of the Hispanic Liaison Officer. Understanding the nuances and challenges of Hispanic culture, he sought to educate and inform the public of ways to better themselves and work together to better the community.
After his time in law enforcement Octavio decided to pursue his lifelong passion of serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He devoted the rest of his life to helping others fortify their relationship with one another and with Jesus through approaches found through scripture. His acts of selflessness and humility for his fellow man are too many to mention, but he touched the lives of an untold number of people and would even show complete strangers that they too were worthy of God’s love and mercy.
Ministry aside, Octavio had a passion for sports, especially baseball. He loved The Tampa Bay Rays and made it a point that they started winning once they changed their name from the Devil Rays. In addition to all his feats, Octavio even spent a short time playing in the minor leagues before moving onto his future endeavors.
There are no words to express the sorrow and emptiness we all feel in Octavio’s absence. He was always there for each and everyone of us if we ever needed anything. Octavio Rodriguez Jr. truly was a man emanating the glory of God. Though his time with us was short-lived, always know that the brightest stars burn out the fastest.
Octavio was preceded by Andre Ortiz, and Juan Rodriguez and is survived by his loving wife Gloria Rodriguez, his sons Jonathan, David, and Daniel Rodriguez, his daughter in law Dani Rodriguez, grandchildren Jade Rodriguez, Elizabeth Rodriguez and Sebastian Rodriguez Lugo, his mother America Figueroa, Sisters Margarita Velez, and Maribel Rodriguez, brothers Ricardo Rodriguez, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Mikey Martinez.
A Funeral service will be held at Boez & Roel Funeral Home located at 4730 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33603 Friday October 14th, 2022
Family service 0830-0900
Public service 0900-1100
Following the service, the burial will be performed at Florida National Cemetery at 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513 at 1330
Due to the distance transportation cannot be provided
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