Deacon Cristobal Rodriguez

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Deacon Cristobal Rodriguez, who served at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in the Bronx for 41 years, died Dec. 4 at Workman’s Circle Nursing Home in the Bronx. He was 93.

Deacon Rodriguez arrived at Immaculate Conception after being ordained by Terence Cardinal Cooke on May 20, 1977, and continued to serve at the parish until 2018.

He was active in the sacramental and liturgical life of the parish; was a member of the Cursillo Movement, Legion of Mary and Holy Name Society; and was involved in hospital, youth, young adult and adult ministries. He was a faithful minister of the word, altar and charity.

Born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, Deacon Rodriguez served in the Army National Guard for three years as a motor pool sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. He was employed as a grocery clerk for much of his adult life.

His wife, Juana, and son, George, predeceased him.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 9 at Immaculate Conception with Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Whalen as celebrant and Father Sean McGillicuddy, C.Ss.R., pastor of Immaculate Conception, as the homilist. His cremated remains were interred at St. Raymond Cemetery, the Bronx.

Deacon Cristobal Rodriguez