Rodolfo A. Rodriguez

Rodolfo (Rudy) A. Rodriguez of Newington passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 11, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford. He was born in Camaguey, Cuba on November 26, 1942 to the late Rodolfo H. and Maria Viña Rodriguez. Rudy fought for a democratic Cuba as a paratrooper in the Bay of Pigs invasion and was a member of the 2506 Brigade. As one of the brigade prisoners, he remained in captivity for 20 months in Havana as the United States negotiated a deal with Fidel Castro. In December 23, 1962, Rudy was released and arrived in the United States on a plane carrying freed prisoners and was given a hero's welcome in Miami. A week later, surviving brigade members gathered for a ceremony in Miami's Orange Bowl, where the brigade's flag was handed over to President Kennedy. "I can assure you," the president promised, "that this flag will be returned to this brigade in a free Havana." His family regrets that he did not live to see a free Cuba. Once settled in the United States, Rudy worked in the field of IT for General Dynamics Corporation, United Technologies, and on various consulting assignments in the insurance industry, including Aetna and The Hartford. Upon his retirement, Rudy remained active and enjoyed his part-time employment with the Newington Public Schools. He is survived by his three loving sons, Frank, Andrew and Anthony Rodriguez of Newington, who kept vigil with their father in his final hours, and his former wife and friend, Dawn Sarro, of West Hartford. He is also survived by his children from a previous marriage, Rodolfo (Rudy) E. Rodriguez and Cristina Rodriguez Piloto of Miami, Florida, whom he loved dearly. Rudy also leaves his brother, Alfredo, and his wife, Esther Rodriguez of San Diego, CA. Rudy had a big heart and loved people and his dogs. He would not hesitate to strike up a conversation with strangers. He was warm and generous and would always lend a helping hand to others even as he struggled in his own life. As a tissue donor, Rudy gave in death as he gave in life. Calling hours will be Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. An education fund for Rudy’s children will be established for donations in his memory, contact Dawn Sarro, 45 Claybar Dr., West Hartford, CT 06117. Online expressions of sympathy may be at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Rodolfo A. Rodriguez

November 26, 1942 - October 11, 2013