Gloria Rodriguez Obituary

Gloria E. Rodriguez peacefully entered into eternal rest on February 14, 2025. She was born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, and came to New York as a child. She grew up on Jackson Avenue in the Bronx, New York, a diverse and vibrant neighborhood that shaped her into the remarkable woman she became. Observing and learning from mentors with high moral standards, strong values, and an unwavering work ethic, Gloria developed the principles that guided her throughout her life.
From a young age, she displayed strength, resilience, and a deep sense of justice. As a tough tomboy who loved sports, she never hesitated to stand up for those who were bullied or alienated. Gloria had an immense love and devotion for her parents, Maria and Segundo Castro, always striving to show them her gratitude and affection through her actions. She was also a cherished sister to her nine (+1) siblings, and it was within her large, loving family that she cultivated her sharp wit, infectious humor, and unwavering loyalty.
Her boundless joy for life, positive spirit, and ability to find the silver lining in every situation stemmed from her strong faith and deep belief in God. Gloria had an innate ability to uplift those around her, always offering encouragement, wisdom, and laughter. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Andrew, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond of love and friendship for 67 wonderful years, celebrating their anniversary on January 26. Their love was a shining example of true partnership, respect, and devotion, enduring until her very last breath.
Gloria was a dedicated and loving mother to her three children, Susan, Richard, and Andy, a proud grandmother to five, and an adoring great-grandmother to nine. She embraced her role as the matriarch of a vast and cherished family, which included over 100 nieces and nephews. To each of them, she was more than a relative; she was a mentor, a role model, and a guiding light, always nurturing, teaching, and inspiring by example. She instilled confidence and integrity in those she loved, setting a standard of excellence with her actions rather than words.
Her warmth and loyalty extended far beyond her family. Gloria formed lifelong friendships, including an inseparable 75+ year bond with her best friend, Aida, with whom she continued to laugh and share memories until just weeks ago. She was a beloved member of her Fords, NJ neighborhood crew, creating decades of treasured memories and joyful moments.
Throughout her life, Gloria was a dedicated professional and entrepreneur. She worked at IBM as an original computer programmer, held positions at AR Wanarack, the Israeli Museum in Manhattan, and a trucking company, and she volunteered her time at her children's schools and sporting events. She also pursued her passion for floral design, co-owning a successful wedding flower business with her sister, Socorro.
Gloria was a true warrior. She bravely battled and survived breast cancer in 2009, demonstrating her incredible strength and resilience. In her final years, she faced pulmonary fibrosis with unbelievable courage, grace, and dignity, never allowing it to diminish her spirit. Through it all, she continued to put her children and family first, always ensuring they felt loved, supported, and uplifted until her very last day.
She was the epitome of love, kindness, loyalty, intelligence, humor, and unwavering integrity. She lived a life of selflessness, always placing the needs of others above her own. Whether as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, or mentor, she left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love, strength, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all she touched, and her memory will forever be cherished.
Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. While she will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to shine through the countless lives she enriched.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Flynn and Son / Mitruska Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue, Fords, NJ 08863 with a Funeral Service at 11:30 AM followed by a 12:00 Noon Funeral Liturgy at Our Lady of Peace Church, Fords. Interment will immediately follow in Clover Leaf Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gloria's name to St. Jude's Children Hospital, as a tribute to her lifelong dedication to helping others. https://www.stjude.org/give.html
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