Joseph M. Rodriguez, age 88, of Sumner, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana. He was born on May 11, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Jose and Petra (Mojica) Rodriguez. He was married to Paulette ‘Maggie’ Graff, and she survives.
Joseph worked for Yellow Freight Company and was a wonderful handyman. He was an avid reader. He enjoyed taking walks at Red Hills State Park, mowing the yard, play cards, sunsets, fishing, as well as family gatherings and enjoying life in general.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Rodulfo Rodriguez and Tomas Rodriguez; and six sisters, Sanjuana Perez, Felicitas Garcia, Micaela Franco, Connie ZaVala, Rosie Sida, and Catarina Murilla.
Survivors include his wife, Maggie; five children, Anthony R. Rodriguez and wife, Carmine of Chicago, Illinois, Doreinda Shimak and husband, Thomas of Leadville, Colorado, Maureen Rusnak and husband, George of Chicago, Illinois, JoAnn Ryan and Gerald of Chicago, Illinois, and Joseph R. Rodriguez of Sumner, Illinois; one sister, Ermnia Acevedo of Elk Grove Village, Illinois; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services will be conducted at a later date. Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements.
Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.