Joel Rodriguez

Rev. Joel Rodriguez, 60 years old, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully on December 4, 2022, surrounded by his family after a brief hospice at-home care.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Dorcas Rodriguez, his parents Salvador and Fredesvinda Rodriguez, and by his two sons: Joel (Joey) Rodriguez Jr (wife-Jessica), and Andres (Andy) Rodriguez (wife- Lesvia), and his precious grandchildren: Landon, Mason, Aubree, Savannah, Matias, Maybelin, Jocelyn, Keyla, Elysa, and Lea, his brothers and sisters: Salvador Jr, Eliud, Yolanda, Abimael, Esaud, and Imna and many dear cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, friends, church family, and neighbors.

He was born in Chicago, IL, and was raised in the lovely Island of Puerto Rico. And moved to Philadelphia, PA in 1982 before marrying Dorcas in 1985. They raised their family in both Philadelphia in the early years and in the State of Georgia.

He has been serving as a pastor for over 30 years. His heart has always been driven to serve God, and his family, and his community. And he knew how to share the Gospel and the love of God so deeply with everyone he met.

He battled pancreatic cancer for over a year, until he succumbed to this illness.

He will be missed by all who knew him, long remembered as an avid reader, studious of the Bible, loved to go on cruises, and a man of strong conviction and faith in Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior.

He became such a loving husband and father, and he loved his family more than anything else. And he loved his church family and its community, because wherever there was a need, he was there to serve with much love and care. We will miss you!