Frederick M. Rodriguez, PhD, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2020. Cherished husband of 54 years to Patricia, nee Breier; adored father to Teresa Rodriguez (John St. Augustine) and Ann Rodriguez-Baltrum(James Baltrum). Cherished grandfather of Jack, Cameron, and Loretta. Brother to Beatrice (Patrick) Boland, Alfie (Karyn) Rodriguez, Henry Rodriguez, and Rita (Don) McFarland. Fond uncle of Brendan, Adam, Edward, Juliette, Bridget, Anne, Becky, Chris, Kelly, Tim, Matthew, Dennis, Katie, Stephen, and Daniel. Longtime teacher at Proviso West High School, 15-year Field Museum volunteer in the Hall of Americas, usher at St. John of the Cross church, proud Navy veteran and former commander of the Western Springs VFW Post 10778. Due to the current pandemic, services are private. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. 708-352-6500 or HJFunerals.com
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Mr Rodriguez was cheerful and friendly to students at West. This is what I remember him by. He'll be missed by all that knew him.
Jon Cveticanin
January 17, 2022
Mr. Rodriguez was one of the very best teachers I ever had , and I'm so happy I told him this to his face in 1974 !
Rest in peace , teach !
Kevin M. Konze
Student
September 2, 2020
He was the best teacher! I was blessed to have had the opportunity to babysit for Teresa when she was a baby too! He will always be a part of my best memories at Proviso West and will always be in my heart! Prayers for your family!
Karen Wiersema Baker
Student
July 30, 2020
Dr. Rodriguez was my Spanish teacher at Proviso West around 1984. He once told me, "Shari, you learn not for school but for life." I have often told others what he said to me. It was an amazing statement and is so true! I will never forget it. I wish he had known that over 30 years later, that statement still resonates with me. May he rest in peace.
Shari
Student
July 29, 2020
Served with Fred on board the USS Muliphen AKA 61 in 1958. He was still aboard when I was discharged and flew home from Naples.
Harry Villwock
Served In Military Together
June 27, 2020
Fred was a shipmate of the USS Muliphen AKA-61 and a member of our Reunion Board as the Historian. Fred enjoyed the comradery of being with his old shipmates. He listened and documented their stories. Ive read them and posted them on our website at www.ussmuliphen.com. His presence at our reunion was missed. May he have fair winds and following seas. God Bless him and his family. Gerald Wotherspoon, President USS Muliphen Reunion Assoc.
Gerald Wotherspoon
Friend
June 27, 2020
He was my buddy. Dr. Rodriguez was a gem. He always had a smile on his face. He was one of the best language teachers at PWHS. He always had time for small talk. RIP my friend. Irene Kramer
Irene Kramer
Friend
June 13, 2020
a memory of Fred comes flashing back in my memory. We went to Sacred Heart Grade School, in Lockport Ill. When we were in grade school we would put on plays for our parents. The entire school did a different skit. His 8th grade class did "McNamara Band". Fred was chosen to be McNamara and lead the band. He was very proud to hold the spot light as he went back in fourth in front with band baton.
Beatrice Boland
Sister
June 11, 2020
Doc was great. Told it like it was and always had a lot of great stories. He was my Spanish teacher at Proviso around 88-91...He kept me in line on what seemed like a daily basis. As I drifted off to sleep from lack of sleep, he'd kick my desk good and I'd wake up fast, surprised and shocked...then I'd hear the accompanying "Pargas...Rincon!" To the corner I went! He was a great teacher, taught me Spanish well, and had pride for "La Raza." Many times as I went to Mexico, I'd bring him back wooden masks that he collected. I'll miss your stories Doc! Hope you're enjoying some Pan Dulce and Horchata up there!
Jimmy Pargas
Student
June 10, 2020
Dr. Rodriguez was my Spanish teacher at Proviso West High School. He was such a caring teacher. He was always available when I had a question about school or was just having a bad day. He encouraged me all the time. He always had a smile on his face as he stood outside his classroom during passing period. Since I was a Spanish speaker, I thought he couldnt teach me anything new. I was so wrong. His class was interesting and fun. I looked forward to his class each day. I will always remember Dr. Rodriguez as that one teacher who never gave up on me. God bless you Doc. You will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with your family so they can find the comfort they need during this difficult time.
Anna Gonzalez
Student
June 9, 2020
You were one of my favorite teacher's. I still use your corny jokes from Spanish class to this day. You wrote me a letter of recommendation for college and you were much more than just a Spanish teacher. You were a teacher of life. Thank you for making a positive impact on my life that I still feel today. RIP, Doc. ❤
Nick Perri
Student
June 9, 2020
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Rodriguez. As a senior a schedule change placed me in his Spanish I class. I had studied French for three years and Dr. Rodriguez used to tease me for screwing up the accent marks. A couple of years after graduating from university, I joined the Peace Corps. Upon arriving in Guatemala, we took an oral Spanish test. In one year of high school Spanish I had learned enough to be placed, six years later, in a relatively high group of students for my language instruction, people who had studied throughout high school and in college. I am now a bilingual history teacher and am ever thankful to Dr. Rodriguez for beginning my love of Spanish.
Michele Carlson
Student
June 9, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rosella May-Hartwell
Coworker
June 9, 2020
Dr. Rodriguez was my Spanish 1 teacher at Proviso West in the 1983-84 school year. I would continue to work with him and get to know him better as a member of the Spanish Club that he supervised. He was a teacher a student never forgets. He was funny, sarcastic, and ever so caring. He will live forever in my mind and heart as one of my favorite and most impactful teachers I have ever had. May he Rest In Peace and May his family find comfort in his memory and in the love they shared. God Bless you Dr. Rod. Heaven has gained a very special angel. ❤
Monica (Farina) Jansen
Student
June 9, 2020
Our family is certainly going to miss Fred. He was a special Brother, Brother-in-law and Uncle. He taught us all how to live life to it's fullest. He was a special Godfather to Adam. We will cherish all our memories with Fred and his beautiful family. Our prayers to all.
Love,
Alfie, Karyn and Adam
Karyn Rodriguez
Family
June 9, 2020
Love you forever and ever
Cameron Baltrum
Grandchild
June 9, 2020
Fred is gone, but not forgotten. Words cannot express our grief but Fred is no longer in pain. Praying for our family during this time of loss.
John (Jack) Diaz
Family
June 9, 2020
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We will always remember Freddie as the family historian. He was a wonderful man. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim ( Diaz) & Dave Cast
Family
June 8, 2020
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