John M. Rodrigues, 93, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at home with his loving family.  He was the husband of the late Ruth Rodrigues.

Born in Utica, NY, he was the son of the late John and Maria C. Rodrigues. He resided in his cherished city of Central Falls for most of his life and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cumberland.

A proud Army veteran of the Korean War, he returned home and began his career in construction, for many years working from Chicago to Maine and many places in between.  John ran his own concrete and foundation business, R&R Construction, in CT and was involved in many government projects.  He went on to become the Director of the Central Falls Department of Public Works for 20 years, servicing and supporting the city he loved, retiring in 1994.  Along with his brothers, he was a former co-owner of Lincoln Creamery, where he created the best homemade waffle cone recipe.

Dedicated to faith, family and friends, John was an honorable, hard-working man; always there when you needed him to fix what needed fixing, celebrate your joys and successes and support you through the tough times.  He was an avid animal lover (especially his best buddy, Puppy Dog), enjoyed winemaking, an occasional good political debate and cooking amazing Portuguese food shared with many of his family and friends.  He had motored many miles with his wife as they traveled and camped through-out New England.  Above all, he cherished the good times spent with those he cared about.  He was also a member and past president of the Madeira Club in Central Falls.

He is survived by his stepsons Rodney Petruska and his wife Susan of Voluntown, CT, Albert Petruska of Richmond, RI, and his stepdaughter Carol Lareau of Florida.  He is also survived by his brother, Edward Rodrigues of East Providence along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph Rodrigues and Carl Rodrigues, his sisters Alice Casullo, Alzira Wojcikiewicz, Virginia Proulx and his beloved niece, Karen Rodrigues.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to John's Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 11 AM to 12 PM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road Cumberland. A Prayer Service will be held at 12 PM. Burial will be held in RI VeteransCemetery, 301 South County Trail Exeter on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of John's memory, please consider an act of kindness for someone in need.

"Nos te amamos, John!"