Francis Rodrigues, Jr., 61

Francis Rodrigues, Jr., 61, died Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Springfield Hospital in Springfield, Vt., due to complications of a prolonged illness. He lived with cancer and its effect for the past several years ( but has succumbed to the disease) and now is at rest.

"Frankie" was born Aug. 3, 1954, in Fall River, Mass. He was the eldest son of Francis Rodrigues, Sr., and the late Florence (Koch) Rodrigues, of South Meriden. There, he attended St. Joseph's School and H.C. Wilcox Technical High School, graduating from the tool and die trade in 1973. Soon after graduation, he moved to New Hampshire, then finally settled in Vermont.

Beside his father, he leaves behind five children and one grandchild, Nicole Rodrigues and her son, Owen, of Perkinsville, Vt., Michael Rodrigues, of Reading, Vt., Hank Rodrigues, of Reno, Nev., Elwood Jake "Woody" Rodrigues, of Reading, Vt., and Danza Rodrigues, of Grand Cayman Island. Frank was so very proud of all of his children and his grandson. Frank is also survived by his five siblings, Diane (Rodrigues) Cannistra, of Springfield, Vt., Brian Rodrigues and his wife, Toni, of South Windsor, Conn., Patricia Rodrigues and her lifelong partner, Sean Corduff, of Westmoreland, N.H., Steven Rodrigues, of Middletown, Conn., and Jean (Rodrigues) Meade and her husband, Pete, of Southington, Conn.; as well as seven nieces and nephews; many friends; and extended family.

He loved his family, New York Yankees, Rolling Stones, and his Harley.

A celebration of Frank's life and a Memorial ride are planned to honor his memory.

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