Camilo Rodriguez

Camilo Rodriguez, a devoted husband, father, abuelo, son, brother, and friend, passed away on February 1, 2026. He was 65 years old.

Born on October 8, 1960, in Venezuela, Camilo came to the United States with his family in 1969, settling in Newark, New Jersey. He carried his roots with pride and built a life grounded in family, hard work, and laughter. As a teenager, he met the love of his life, Rose Maria. Their love story began when he was just 16 years old, and they were married in 1984. In September 1987, they made their home in Springfield, New Jersey, where they raised their three children and built a life full of memories.

Camilo worked for J. Fletcher Creamer for most of his career and was a proud member of Local 472. He was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and the friendships he formed over the years on the job.

To know Camilo was to love him. He was the jokester of the family, always ready with a prank, a funny story, or a silly mask to give someone a playful scare. He had a gift for making any situation lighter and more joyful. His laughter was contagious, and his presence made every gathering better.

He was also an avid fisherman who loved spending time at Sandy Hook, rod in hand, enjoying the peace of the water. Truth be told, he was always prepared — he often carried a fishing pole and knife “just in case” he came across a good fishing spot. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby; it was one of his happy places. His other happy place was in his garden, where Camilo had an exceptional green thumb. He loved tending to his flowers, plants, and fig trees, proudly showing them off to family and friends.

Above all, Camilo was loving, generous, and kind. He would help anyone, anytime, without hesitation. His family was his greatest pride and joy.

He will be sorely missed by his beloved wife, Rose Maria Rodriguez; his children: Camilo Rodriguez and Jennifer, and their son Camilo IV; his daughter Carol Gordon and her husband Jeff, and their children Liliana and Jeffrey; and his son Christopher Rodriguez.

He is also survived by his parents, Maruja and Camilo Rodriguez; his siblings: Rosemarie and her husband Joe, Elba and her husband Eugene, Jose “Chicho” and his wife Carol, and Clara and her husband Fernando; his father in law Mike Turco, his brothers-in-law Michael and his wife Yasmin, and Louis and his wife Maria; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Carol Turco; his brother Jose Rodriguez; his nephew Michael Madeira; and all other loved ones who welcomed him with open arms.

Camilo will be remembered as an amazing husband and dad, a proud abuelo, a fun-loving uncle, a devoted brother and son, and a friend to many. His humor, warmth, and generous spirit leave a legacy of love that will live on in all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Camilo at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Wednesday February 4 from 3-7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Church in Springfield on Thursday at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.