Gilberto Rodriguez

Gilberto Rodriguez

March 6, 1931– August 15, 2026

Gilberto Rodriguez, 95, of Tappan, New York, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was the beloved husband of Ofelia, his devoted partner of 67 years; cherished father of Gilbert (Joann), Marjorie (Bernard Rodriguez), and Maritza (Antonio Rivero); and proud grandfather of Gilbert Joseph Rodriguez, Lauren Danielle Rivero, and Gianna Marie Rodriguez. He was also a dear brother to Ricardo.

Gilberto was predeceased by his beloved granddaughter, Jessica; his parents, Manuel and Encarnacion; siblings, Bernardo (Argelia); Ruperto (America); Jose (Margot); Lorenzo (Raquel); Manuel (Cecha); Maria (Joaquin Armero); Carmen (Francisco Ricardo); Maria(Andres Govea); Marta (Manuel Lopez); Juana (Juan Cerezo); Encarnacion (Docto Gimenez); Lola (Joaquin Milan); Sister-in-law, Loida; nieces, Gladys; Connie; Margarita; nephews, Carlos; Gonzalo; Joaquin; grand nephew, Robert Eli Coriat and many treasured family members and friends.

Born in Cuba, Gilberto’s life was marked by perseverance, faith, and a deep love of learning. During the hardships of the Great Depression, he began delivering newspapers at the age of seven to help support his family. Although financial circumstances prevented him from pursuing a traditional education, his thirst for knowledge never diminished.

At age of twelve, he left home to study with priests at a seminary, where he assisted with daily responsibilities while learning Latin and philosophy. When his father passed away two years later, Gilberto returned home to help care for and support his family.

By his early twenties, he had become the radio voice of a Cuban broadcasting station. At age twenty-nine, he met the love of his life, Ofelia. They married in 1959 and built a beautiful life together, raising three children. During those years, Gilberto proudly owned and operated a hardware store.

Following the rise of the Castro regime in Cuba, Gilberto faced the loss of his business and possessions. Determined to create a better future for his family, he made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States in 1968. Through hard work and dedication, he built a new life and eventually became a partner and salesman in a distribution warehouse (RCN Sales Company) in the Bronx serving neighborhood bodegas throughout the five burrows.

In his retirement years, Gilberto found great joy in reading theological and philosophical works, engaging in thoughtful conversation, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. He will be remembered for his resilience, faith, wisdom, strong work ethic, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the lives he touched throughout his remarkable 95 years.

Visiting hours are Friday , August 21, 2026 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 9:30AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, 199 Walnut St Northvale, NJ, with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, 201 Kings Hwy Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gilberto’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org/donate