Obituary of Robert M. Rodrigues

Robert M. Rodrigues, 82, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on June 16, 2020, surrounded by family.

Robert was born on May 1,1938, in Kukuihaele, Hawaii. He graduated from Honokaa High School in 1955, and went on to the University of Hawaii at Hilo where he played both football and basketball.

He enlisted in the Air Force in 1958 where he served for over 30 years. While in the Air Force he received several medals and commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal with two clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three clusters, and the Airman Achievement Medal.

Robert graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1975 earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He spent his last eleven years in the Air Force as the Chief of CBPO at Zaragoza AFB, Spain, where he retired and continued to work on the base as the Billeting Manager.

Robert was an avid golfer. Throughout Robert’s time in the military, he represented the Air Force in many golf tournaments in the 1980s including the Mediterranean Sports Conference, United States Air Force in Europe, All-Air Force team, and Inter-Service teams. He won the United States Air Force Europe Senior Golf Championship six times, was on the Air Force Golf team five times, and in 1987 was crowned the Air Force Golf Senior Champion.

He loved music and was an accomplished singer. He was known for playing the ukulele at gatherings as well as singing at family members’ weddings and funerals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Santia (De Jesus) Rodrigues; brothers, Joseph (Lillian) Rodrigues, Van Earl Rodrigues, and Steven (Charlotte) Rodrigues; and sisters, Carmen Rodrigues and Marie (Samuel) Kaaekuahiwi.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helene whom he married December 2, 1961 in Fedala, Morocco; two daughters; Corinne Forrester of Camilla, Georgia; Melissa Berry (Michael) of Hazel Green, Alabama; sisters Margaret (John) Loo, Carol (Gilbert) Carvallyo, Phyllis (Patrick) Plunket, Stella Abarcar; brother Frank (Jenny) Rodrigues; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a funeral mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1710 Hickory St., Melbourne, Florida on Monday, June 22, 2020, at 11:00 a.m.

It is requested that families wear masks and comply with current social distancing guidelines.

His ashes will be buried in the Veteran’s Cemetery in Hilo, Hawaii, when quarantine restrictions are lifted on the islands.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1710 Hickory St, Melbourne, Florida, 32901.