Christopher Rodriguez

Chris Rocko Rodriguez was one of those unforgettable people who come into our lives and we are never the same. With a personality all his own, Chris lived in the moment and lived life to the fullest. A stranger to none, he was a soft hearted man who would have given the shirt off his back to anyone in need, and often did. Although his passing has left a tremendous void in the hearts of those he leaves behind, the memory of Chris as a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend lives on. The decade of the 1950s was all about growth and the introduction of consumer goods. In particular, the year 1954 saw the first color television sets while TV dinners made it much easier in the kitchen for many. Elvis began his music career, and the implementation of Veterans Day honored Americas bravest. In the Lake Michigan community of Muskegon, Michigan, Jose and Irma (Ayes) Rodriguez were happy to announce some good news of their own when on August 25, 1954 they welcomed the births of fraternal twin sons, William and Christopher. They joined their older sisters, Annette and Marsha, and later welcomed younger brothers, Joe and Mark. Throughout his life, Chris was very proud of his Puerto Rican heritage. Chris or Rocko as he was often referred grew up in Muskegon enjoying numerous boyhood adventures with his siblings and neighborhood friends. Many great times were shared enjoying the beaches of Lake Michigan and all the area had to offer. He and his twin brother, William shared a love for muscle cars, and fast cars. In fact, back in the day, Chris had a red challenger he spent many hours working on and of course, cruising the ovals. He attended the local schools and played Big Red football while attending Muskegon High School. Chris loved music and was a fan of traditional rock and roll. He loved the sounds of Bob Seger and grew up listening to the Beatles. His brother, Mark was into hard core rock and his playing this genre of rock easily got the best of Chris. The two brothers did however find a common denominator in their love of music in the group Tesla, and even went to a few concerts together. During their youth, Chris and Mark often hung out together. They liked camping at Diamond Point where theyd drink an occasional beer by the campfire and listen to a Detroit Tigers baseball game, or sometimes even Detroit Lions football. In the midst of antiwar demonstrations during the Vietnam War, Chris felt the call to duty and at the age of 17 enlisted in the United States Army. A very proud member of the military, he decided to make the military his career. A paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, Chris selflessly served his country. His military career also afforded him opportunities he was truly grateful for. With his brother William in the Marines, he and Chris often joked around with each other about their military choices, and which one was the better for it. In time, many years of heavy smoking began to take a toll on Chris body. It also made it a challenge to remain in the military. Due to his failing health, he was honorably discharged and placed on Veterans disability. Although he personally didnt gamble, Chris loved watching TV poker and was an avid fan of General Hospital. An animal lover by all accounts, Chris also couldnt keep a dry eye when watching an emotional movie. He carried his heart on his sleeve, and always rooted for the underdog. His door was always open to anyone in need, and he never turned anyone away. At times, his giving and generous nature found him being taken advantage of. Chris found it hard to place great value on money. If he bummed a cigarette today, hed always pay it back with a full pack tomorrow. Chris indeed lived in the moment, and if he had a whim about something, he acted on it. He saw a saddle, liked it and bought it, but didnt ride horses. He spent his money on random things. He had a collection of hats, a hockey helmet, golf clubs, and numerous baseballs. He enjoyed all sports, had aspirations of one day learning how to play many of them, and perhaps just wanted to be prepared. During the later part of his life, Chris pretty much kept to himself at home. He never ceased in lending a hand, and was a great friend to many. He will be remembered for his excitement for the things he believed in, his love of family, and for his gift of simply being Chris to those who meant so much to him. Gone but never to be forgotten, Chris will be lovingly remembered. Christopher Rocko Rodriguez, age 59 of Muskegon, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014 in Battle Creek. SURVIVORS: He leaves behind his mother, Irma Rodriquez; sisters, Annette (Don) Blamer and Marsha (Thomas) Storck; brothers, William Rodriguez, Joe Rodriguez and Mark Rodriguez, all of Muskegon; nieces and nephews, Carrie, Salem, Rhiannon, Ryan, Jessica, Cassie, and Lindsey; great nieces and nephews, David, Devin, Amelia and Sam. He was preceded in death by his father, Jose and nephew, William. SERVICE: Friday, February 7, 2014, 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon. A private interment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. MEMORIAL: Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory of Chris and to sign his online guest book.