José “Chino” Rodríguez entered the joy of the Lord, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Born José Víctor Rodríguez Quiñónez in the town of Arecibo, Puerto Rico on June 2, 1938; his parents, Víctor and Concepción, officially registered him on June 9, 1938, establishing “two” birthdays. Sadly, at the age of 10, José lost his father and moved to Manhattan with his mother and siblings. However, it is in New York City where José’s legacy would begin.

Those close to José also knew him as “Chino.” When José arrived from Puerto Rico, he lived in an Irish neighborhood on Moylan Place. Because of the color of his skin and eye shape, residents would confuse his ethnicity as being of Chinese descent. Comically, the nickname “Chino” was born.

José later attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and then Rice Catholic High School. He managed Co-op Supermarket for over 20 years, where he would meet his future daughter-in-law Lisa, then served as a Doorman on Park Avenue until he retired. 

In 1959, José met the love of his, Bienvenida (Beni) Báez, and they married on December 10, 1960. José’s love for Beni and family was boundless and soon Beni’s little sisters, Elisa and Isabel, joined their family alongside five children in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, 800-square-foot apartment. Apart from being a family man, José was also known as an avid dancer, heating up any dance floor he set foot on; a masterful dominos player, dominating the neighborhood game tables; a brilliant baseball coach and a talented athlete, seemingly floating around the baseball diamond.

While José had many passions in life, none exceeded the love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. On November 16, 1979, after hearing Pastor Tom Mahairas preach to parents at Manhattan Christian Academy, the school his youngest daughter Ruthie was attending, José devoted his life to God. He went on to study at the Berea Institute of the Manhattan Bible Church and he later became a teacher at the institute. From then on, his passion was to preach and teach the gospel as a Sunday school teacher and at in-home Bible studies as well as to disciple new believers to personally grow in Christ. José also served as an elder of Manhattan Bible Church and had many favorite bible verses, among them: John 5:24, Romans 1:16-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Matthew 28:19-20.

Christ and family ranked at the top of José’s devotion, but those who knew him knew a close third was his appreciation of… coffee and cake, requiring them after almost every meal.

He moved to Tampa, Florida on May 18, 2022, and it would be there that the Lord called José into His kingdom.

José’s commitment to God, love of family and passion for life is survived by his wife Beni, Elisa, his children Robert (Elizabeth) Rodriguez, Bessie (Walter) Duval, Agnes (Vincent) Ortiz, Annette Rodriguez, Ruthie Otero and many grand and great grandchildren. The blessing of José’s life will forever be in our hearts and his legacy will continue for generations to come.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 2^nd at 2pm at Manhattan Bible Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the American Heart Association, to help fund heart disease research, or Hernando Pasco Hospice, to help continue compassionate care.