Jose Rodriguez

Jose Felipe Rodriguez, 86, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Born on May 19, 1938, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, he was the son of Jose Felipe Rodriguez and Gloria Maria Fontanes Rodriguez. Jose moved to New York from Puerto Rico when he was young and was always proud of his heritage.

Jose was a dedicated family man and a valued member of his community. He spent many years working in International Banking at the World Trade Center before retiring from banking in the late 1990s. In his later years, he was proud of his work as an interpreter at MUSC, where he retired in 2021.

Throughout his life, Jose enjoyed traveling, camping, working around the house, walking his dogs, going to the gym, and, most importantly, spending time with his family. He had an adventurous soul and embraced life with a joke in his pocket and a smile on his face. Known for his generosity, Jose mentored many people over the years and was very open about his journey to 45 years of sobriety. He was always eager to help others. 

Jose is preceded in death by his father, Jose Felipe Rodriguez, and his mother, Gloria Maria Fontanes Rodriguez.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Susan Rodriguez; his 5 devoted children, Gloria (and her husband Michael), James (and his wife Joanie), Joseph, Robert, and Lisa. Jose was a proud grandfather to Alicia, Michael (and his wife Pamela), Matthew, and Samantha, and a cherished great-grandfather to Joemmy, Haylee, Penelope, and Maddox. He is also survived by many extended family members and a multitude of friends who will miss him dearly. 

The family hosted a memorial gathering for his Charleston friends and neighbors in August, but Joe's wishes were to be celebrated through a Christian Mass in New York.  Thus, the service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at Saint Margaret's Church, 115 West Central Avenue, Pearl River. New York, 10965, (845-735-4746).

Jose was in the Army and served overseas for 2 years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers in Jose’s memory.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.  Please visit the guestbook and photo gallery below.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.