Frank C. Rodrigues, 86, passed away on March 6, 2012 after a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Adeline “Lena” (Medeiros) Rodrigues, three sons; Frank J. Rodrigues, and wife Teresa, of Tiverton; Michael A. Rodrigues, and wife Margaret, of Sanford,
FL; and Steven M. Rodrigues, and wife Deborah, of Freetown, a sister, Dolores Minkin, of Swansea, MA., as well as seven grandchildren; David Rodrigues of Fall River, Kimberly Sutherland, of Tiverton, Tracy Adams of Sanford, FL, Jennifer Landoch of Tiverton, Erin Rodrigues of St. Petersburg, FL, Carissa Blakey of Fall River, MA, Matthew Gracia of Taunton, MA, and five great-grandchildren.
Mr. Rodrigues was born January 10,1926 to the late Manuel C. Rodrigues and Maria (Bernardo) Rodrigues and was the brother of the late Hilda (Rodrigues) Vierra, and the late Arnold Rodrigues.
Mr. Rodrigues was a member of the U.S. Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Missouri in the 10th division Gunnery Department from 1944 - 1946, where he was present to witness the signing of the Japanese surrender of World War II on September 2, 1945. After the war, he served in the Naval Reserves for two years before being called back to active duty in 1948 aboard the USS Block Island during the Korean Conflict. In 1952 he was again discharged from active duty and resumed Reserve service in Fall River. His years of loyal military service earned him the Combat Action Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (3 stars), World War II Victory Medal, and Navy Occupation Service Medal (Japan).
Following active duty, Mr. Rodrigues worked as a mechanical engineer for the US Navy at the Newport Naval Base in Rhode Island until his retirement in 1986. Upon retirement, he worked part time at the Touisset Country Club in Swansea, MA where he shared his love of golfing with friends and family. He also enjoyed playing cards and was a fan of classic Westerns. He was an active member of the USS Missouri Association for many years.
His funeral will take place from the MANUEL ROGERS & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on FRIDAY here at 8:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Espirito Santo Church, Alden St. at 9:00 A.M. Cremation to follow. Calling hours on THURSDAY from 4-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to Catholic Memorial Home, 2446 Highland Ave. Fall River, MA 02720. www.rogersfuneral.com.