Juan M. Rodriguez

Juan “Nalin” M. Rodriguez, 87, of Bethlehem Twp., passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday February 21, 2017 at his home. He was born on February 14, 1930 in Corozal, Puerto Rico, son of the late Manuel and Maria (Medina) Rodriguez. He was the husband of Carmen (Trinidad) Rodriguez. They celebrated 62 years of marriage this past November . Juan worked as a machine operator for Bethlehem Steel Co. for 32 years retiring in 1985 and was also the former owner of the Rodriguez Tavern. Juan was a member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. He was also a Eucharistic minister. He was a founding member of the Puerto Rican Beneficial Society and a past president for 10 years. He was dedicated to his community and was credited with the foresight to realize the needs of the Hispanic community during the 1960s. He was instrumental in forming the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations in the Lehigh Valley. Juan received a certificate of recognition as the outstanding Puerto Rican of 1980 from the City of Bethlehem for his commitment and efforts to the community. Juan was also devoted to his family, friends, and his faith and will be dearly missed.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carmen, sons, John Rodriguez and wife Susan, James Rodriguez and wife Susie and Freddy Rodriguez all of Bethlehem Twp., daughter, Doris Correll and husband Barry of Bethlehem Twp., brothers, Romulo Rodriguez of Bethlehem and Samuel Rodriguez of Puerto Rico, sisters, Marie Kerbacher of Bethlehem, and Carmen Rodriguez of Puerto Rico, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Angel Rodriguez, and sister, Celeste Ballester.

A prayer service will be held 9:15am Saturday February 25, 2017 at the Connell Funeral Home 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, Pa. 18018 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10am at Holy Infancy Catholic Church 312 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, Pa. 18015. A viewing will be held from 6-9pm Friday evening and 8:15-9:15 am Saturday morning at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Infancy Catholic Church.

Viewing
Friday, February 24, 2017
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Viewing
Saturday, February 25, 2017
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Prayer Service
Saturday, February 25, 2017
9:15 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, February 25, 2017
10:00 AM
Holy Infancy Catholic Church
312 East Fourth St.
Bethlehem PA 18015
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531