Robert Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez
Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend Robert (Bob) Rodriguez passed away early in the morning of Jan. 16, 2026, after a brief illness. Bob was making great progress in his recovery after a cardiac episode in November, and he will be dearly missed.
Bob was born in Portchester, NY in 1952 and moved to Fredonia in Western New York in the early 70s for college. He graduated from SUNY Fredonia in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and worked for Ralston Purina (now Nestle Purina) for 30 years. Bob’s oldest son, Jason was born in 1983 and in 1987 Bob married Wendy Brooks, the love of his life and best friend. Their son Ryan was born later that year. Bob is survived by his wife, Wendy; brother, William (Sharron) Rodriguez; and sons, Jason and Ryan (Maddie).
Bob was a health enthusiast who enjoyed spending time at the gym and cooking healthy, delicious meals. He also loved to travel, especially around his home in Florida and in Mexico where he and his family took many trips over the years. Bob was an integral part of the small business scene at the shop he and Wendy owned in Dunkirk, NY where they sold locally made products from 2008 until 2021. Later, they set up a booth at the local farmer’s markets in Punta Gorda and Fredonia where they sold handmade crafts and where Bob loved to people-watch.
Bob was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and loved going to sports bars to join friends for watch parties. Over the years, he was also a fan of snow skiing, boating, vacationing with his family and friends, reading, local theatre performances, live entertainment, and the natural and super-natural world. Above all, he was devoted to the beloved lake house on Lake Erie that he bought and painstakingly expanded, remodeled, and cherished over a period of almost 40 years.
No matter where he was, Bob always felt most at home on the water. He was a gentle, steadying presence who made time for anyone in need. He also had a wonderful dry sense of humor and a ready wit. Animals loved him, and he had a soft spot for all of them, too — cats especially.
Bob Rodriguez touched many lives during his 73 years on earth, and we miss him enormously. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Darwin R Barker Library in Fredonia, NY. A memorial service will be held in Fredonia in July.