IN LOVING MEMORY OF
John Joe
Rodriguez
May 15, 1953 – May 5, 2024
John Joe Rodriguez, known to his friends and family as "Johnny Be Good", had his last day on earth on May 5, 2024, cruising into the sunset at the age of 70. Born on May 15, 1953, in Los Angeles, CA, John was a man who lived his life with a positive outlook and a love for classic cars and the Dodgers.
John was born to Guadalupe Gallegos and Joe Rodriguez. John had three older siblings, Josie, Marylou, and Frank (deceased), and younger sisters Terry and Nellie.
John's journey through life was as spirited and full of character as the oldies tunes he could karaoke. A Lincoln Heights High School graduate, he carried the spirit of his youth throughout his life, never losing his sense of fun or his love for a good time. After high school, he served his country honorably as a sergeant in the Marines, receiving a Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Medal.
Upon returning to civilian life, John worked in warehouse factories, where he wasn't just a favored employee but also the funniest person to be around. He kept morale high even when the work was difficult. His coworkers were also part of an extended family, benefiting from John's unwavering sense of humor and camaraderie.
John's true pride and joy, however, were his family members. His beloved wife, Mercy Rodriguez, was his partner in crime and laughter, sharing life's ups and downs. John is survived by his wife, Mercy, of 43 years, and their 2 sons, Joe and Casey, and his 3 daughters, Lisa, Linda, and Lori, from his first wife, Rosemarie. His grandchildren—Matthew, Nicholas, John, Isaiah, Ayanna, Diana, Cal, Poe, Josh, Dominic, Andre, Gabriel, and Tristan—were his audience, always eager for one of Grandpa John's legendary stories.
Even Jackson, the family dog for 14 years, adored John, who gave him daily toast and scrambled eggs.
John's interests were as classic as he was. He spent time at car shows, where he could talk shop and share stories with fellow enthusiasts. Fall Sundays were reserved for cheering on the Bengals, and Spring was for his #1 Dodgers. And through it all, the soundtrack of his life played on—oldies music that had him tapping his feet and singing along.
The curtain may have closed on John's life due to cancer, but his legacy is one of laughter, resilience, and a zest for life. He lived as he died—on his own terms, fighting until the last day.
As we bid farewell to John, let us remember the echo of his laughter, the stories that will be told and retold, and how he made each moment a little brighter. Johnny Be Good may have left the stage, but the joy he brought to so many will continue to resonate for generations. So, rev up those engines, put on your favorite oldies track, and take a moment to remember a man who taught us all to find the humor in life's journey. Goodnight, John, "1, 2, 3."
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