Ernesto L. Rodriguez, 76, Owner of Lorain restaurant Cuchilandia
Ernesto ‘Cuchilandia’ L. Rodriguez, 76, of Lorain went home to the Lord on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 following a lengthy illness. He was well known and loved by many in the community.
Born Jan. 15, 1939 in Ciales, Puerto Rico, Ernesto moved to New York City in 1956 then moved to Lorain where he has resided since 1967. He was the youngest of 11 children.
Ernesto was well known for his restaurant, Cuchilandia, in Lorain, but retired from Barco & Sons. As part of his time while owning the restaurant he was well known for having dances which always brought in top marquee artists such as Odilio Gonzalez and Lily y Su Gran Trio.
Ernesto loved spending time with his wife and children which involved recording videos, taking pictures and documenting his journeys. He had a large display of pictures hanging on walls throughout his home and always showed his home movies to visitors. Ernesto was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel where he had done the Cursillo Movement in 1968. He was a dedicated New York Yankees fan. He loved to garden where he excelled in talents beyond belief and took pride in showing off his beautiful work, especially his banana plants. Among other skills he loved to cook and build things including remodeling his home. Ernesto also enjoyed fishing where he would take his sons on many early morning trips to Hot Waters, Hole in Wall and many other favorite locations on Lake Erie. He and his wife also loved to travel, especially to Puerto Rico and Florida.
He is survived by his wife Luz Maria Rodriguez (née Castro) of 47 and a half years, his daughters Sonia Rodriguez of Bronx NY, Theodora Thomas of Killeen TX, Marisol (Freddy) Mustafa of Columbus, Amanda Rodriguez of Lorain, his sons Ernesto Jr. Rodriguez of Bronx NY , Edgar Rodriguez of Columbus and Ricardo Rodriguez Lakeland FL, and his granddaughter who he raised as his daughter, Ashley Rodriguez of Lorain along with 13 other grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and his only surviving brother Samuel Rodriguez of Palm Bay Fl.
Ernesto was preceded in death most recently by his daughter Elizabeth Rodriguez; parents Eusebio Rodriguez and Josefa Laureano; brothers Joaquin , Felix, Angel, Luis, Rafael Rodriguez, William Rodriguez and sisters Santa Rodriguez, Rita Quiros and Agustina Perez.
His family will receive friends in Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain, on Sunday January 10 from 2 to 6 PM. Friends may also call Monday from 8:30 until the time Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM at Sacred Heart Chapel, 3401 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Rev. Father Willian A. Thaden Pastor will be celebrant. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Amherst Township.
His family suggests memorial contributions to Sacred Heart Chapel Memorial Fund, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055.
Funeral arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain (440) 277-8164. For further information and to sign the online register book, see Reidyfuneral.com.