Simon G. Rodriguez, Jr.

Simon G. Rodriguez, Jr., age 78, of Celina, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Born on December 26, 1945, in Brownsville, Texas, Simon was the beloved son of the late Simon V. and Angelita Helen (Garcia) Rodriguez.

Simon is survived by his cherished children: Mercy Elam of Celina, Natasha Rodriguez of Van Wert, Neal Rodriguez of Celina, and Shaun (Melissa) Rodriguez of St. Marys; ten grandchildren—Symone, Wesley, Gavin, Macenzie, Kaleb, Alex, Riann, Sienna, Quinten, and Kruz—and six great-grandchildren: Addison, Kirra Lincoln, Payton, Kendal and Lelan. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings: Tolentino Rodriguez of Coldwater; Juan (Hgech) Rodriguez of Kansas; Robert (Espanneza) Rodriguez of Texas; Aurora (Robert) Garza of Hicksville; Chris (Mary) Rodriguez of Houston; Kenneth (Jamie) Rodriguez of Lancaster; Sandra (Greg) McGuire of Lima; Clarisa (Mike) Pannell of Columbus; Linda Cordova of Rockford; Robin Rodriguez of Lima; Victoria Reyes of Hicksville; and Vanessa Wallace of Celina; and a brother-in-law, Fred Amezqurta, Florida.

Simon was preceded in death by his siblings, Cecilia Amezqurta, Ynosencio (Ernie) Rodriguez, and Jacob Rodriguez, along with his sisters-in-law Maria “Helen” Rodriguez and Ignacia “Nacha” Rodriguez, and his stepmother, Juanita Rodriguez.

Simon proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After his service, he dedicated more than 40 years to working at Rodriguez Poultry Service in Coldwater, where he forged lifelong friendships and made a lasting impact in his community.

Simon was a devoted family man who found immense joy in simple pleasures: cheering on the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes, enjoying family dinners at Casa Rodriguez in Celina, and feeding birds and rabbits in his backyard. Above all, Simon treasured the time spent with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to his life.

A celebration of Simon’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina, officiated by Rev. Matt Overman. Family and friends are invited to gather from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Private interment will follow at Mercer Memorial Garden in Celina.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association in honor of Simon’s legacy.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys are honored to serve Simon’s family. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.ciscofuneralhome.com or on the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.