Emanuel Rodriguez was born in 1987 to his mother and father, John and Diane Rodriguez.  He is survived by two sisters, Avery and Jacinda, a brother Morgan and his wife Larissa and their two children and John's wife.  He leaves behind aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends both in the military and civilian life.

Emanuel grew up in the Hudson Valley of NY and enjoyed the benefit of friendships and education at the Spackenkill School District.  He went to Westminster Presbyterian Church where he made lifelong friends, learned who his God and creator was and became a mentor to the younger kids at that time. He then took the lessons he learned there into his adult life.

Emanuel was educated to be an electrical engineer. One summer after completing apprenticeships on various job sites, Emanuel and I would drive by certain buildings, stores and complexes. He would say with pride, mom that's "my building".

When Emanuel turned of age, he joined the Marine branch of the military.  Always being the champion of the underdog and those feeling "left out", it seemed a good fit.  While in the Marines he enjoyed the brotherhood, camaraderie and yes even the strict discipline needed to produce a leader in the Marines.  He excelled at this.  The evidence of this is the many texts, emails and calls his family has received since his passing.   Emanuel saw himself as a warrior and protector.  With the development of muscles and determination he had a nickname of "Popeye".

In 2022, Emanuel was working and thriving at his employment with Sikorsky.  Emanuel's health declined due to COVID and all its complications.  After a two-year struggle his body finally gave out.

Emanuel is now at peace with his new body that God has promised his children.  He is with his ancestors who have gone on before him including his big brother Tony, both sets of grandparents, together with aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of his family tree.

Our job, as those who are left behind, will mourn Emanuel and remember the good times and enjoy the memories of the happy moments we shared with him.

Visitation on Monday July 15, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford, CT.  A prayer service will begin qat 11:15 a.m. Followed by inurnment with full military honors in State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.