Jose Rodriguez

August 3, 2021

José (Cheo) Rodríguez,82, of Bethlehem died Tuesday morning peacefully at St Luke's hospice house, surrounded by family. Born in Arroyo, Puerto Rico on April 24, 1939 to the late Felipe Rodriguez and Angela Munoz. He moved to Bethlehem and married his late wife Carmen Rodriguez (Nieves), who he shared 8 children and just shy of 60 years of marriage at the time of her death in March. José was a faithful member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church. There, he was secretary of Santo Nombre, volunteer for the Cursillo of Cristiandad and block parties. He volunteered his handy man services and cooking services to the church as well. He worked as a cook at hotel Bethlehem and machine mechanic for Just Born Candy Co. before retiring after 45 years of exemplary service. José was an avid bowler and held records 3 years in a row from 72-74. He loved fishing, and to watch boxing, wrestling and baseball. He will be lovingly remembered by his brothers, Nicasio Rodríguez, Mario Garcia and Felipe Rodríguez, Jr.; sisters, Paulina Rodríguez, Carmen Rodríguez and Genoveva Rodríguez; Children, Ozzie Rodríguez, Nancy Santiago, Edwin Rodriguez, Magdalena Sweet, Annette Rodríguez, Joseph Rodríguez, Marisol Santee and Alexis Rodríguez; 22 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. José was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents and step mother Petronila DeJesus, brothers: Carmelo Rodríguez, Victor Garcia and sister Cándida Rodríguez, and 2 grandchildren Raven and J.J Rodríguez. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 7-9 p.m. at the Connell Funeral Home 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem. A viewing will also be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 from 9-9:50 a.m.at Holy Infancy Catholic Church, 312 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in the Church. Interment will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Infancy Catholic Church