Shawn Rodriguez, 51, formerly of Saint Petersburg, Fla., passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, at his sister’s residence in Rochester.

On Oct. 23, 1965, Shawn Patrick was born in Santa Anna, Calif. to Raymond and Ruth Crable Rodriguez.

To relax, there was no better place than St. Pete Beach. It was among Shawn’s favorite places. It was here that he enjoyed the sun, surf and sand, along with a lot of girl watchin’. In the evenings he shot pool or cruised around in his vintage maroon Cadillac. Florida also was home for adventure.  Shawn loved deep sea fishing on the sparkling waters of The Gulf of Mexico. He once encountered a 90 minute fight to land a black tail shark and when the great shark was nearly on board broke the line.

The Rod family was noted for the love, compassion, concern and  helpful nature for each other. Following Shawn’s diagnosis, Ramon and Cheryl saw to it that he was able to visit them for an extended stay, then made certain that he could return to his home by flying him back to Florida. Roy and Patty made several visits to enjoy dinner with Shawn while he was in Rochester. No visit was complete without a care package that contained ALL of his favorite goodies.   Helen made visits and prepared a festive Mexican feast with all of the trimmings tacos, nachos and enchiladas. She will also prepare and bring the  main meal for his life celebration.

When it came to assistance with repair on the car, Joe and Kevin came to the rescue. They also covered the expenses of the towing, motel and dinner bills. Raymond and Margaret helped out with the financial portion of paying for the alternator. Shawn’s niece Mabel drove from Collinville, Ill. to South Bend then drove her uncle back all in the same day. Just when luck appeared to be wearing thin the Rod family was always there to lift up each other and help out in their greatest times on need.

Shawn is lovingly remembered by a daughter, Patricia Hiebert and husband Fred “Lee” III, of Ft. Campbell, Ky.; a son: Thomas Rodriguez and wife Charlotte of St. Petersburg, Fla.; three grandchildren: Klayton, Zephanie, Evangeline Rodriguez; his father and stepmother: Raymond Rodriguez and wife Margaret of Neosho, Mo.; former wife and special friend: Jeannine Browning Rodriguez of Gulfport, Fla.; two sisters: Melody Davidson, and friend Steve Crispen of Rochester; Helen Rodriguez and husband Bill of South Bend; five brothers: Jay Gragg, of Helena, Okla.; Roy Gragg and wife Patricia of South Bend; Ramon Rodriguez and wife Cheryl of Rock Spring, Wyo.; Dean Rodriguez, of Neosho, Mo.; Joseph Rodriguez of Rochester; special friends: Debby Johnson, Steve Lamb, Butch Grusovnik all of St. Petersburg and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Preceding Shawn in death are his mother, Ruth Ann Karn; grandfather: Homer Lee Crable; two nephews: Christopher Gragg and Joseph Rodriguez.

Private family services will be observed.  Interment will be in the Leiters Ford Cemetery.