Juan Cancio Rodriguez-Laureano, 89, U.S. Army Veteran
Juan “Ito” Cancio Rodriguez-Laureano, 89, of Lorain, passed peacefully on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Mercy New Life Hospice Center of Lorain, Ohio after a sudden illness.
Ito was born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico on October 20, 1933. He was the fifth child of fourteen to Juan C "Maneco" Rodriguez and Martina “Chita” Laureano.
He had a strong work ethic and worked for several companies including Fruehauf Trailer Corp, the New York Railroad, and Lorain Steel Plant before retiring from Ford Motor Co in 1991 after 30 years of service.
Ito proudly served in the United States Army from 1957-1959 and was deployed to Korea in 1957. One interesting story regarding the military is that 5 of his brothers also served within the same timeframe of the Korean conflict and they all came back safely.
He was an active parishioner of Sacred Heart Chapel and was one of the founding members of the church.
Ito enjoyed many years fishing on his boat with family and friends. He stayed active for many years lifting weights and playing softball. He also loved to garden and even boasted about his award-winning tomatoes. Not to outdo his famous garlic, peppers and cilantro which he used to make his fresh homemade sofrito.
He is survived by his beautiful, loving wife of 66 years Leandra “Chiry” (nee Munoz) Rodriguez; children, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, Roberto (Mary) Rodriguez, Doris (Wayne) Baron, Nilsa (Troy) Howell and Orlando (Theresa) Rodriguez;14 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 9 of his siblings.
His family will receive friends at the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain, Monday, July 24, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, also at Sacred Heart Chapel 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain Tuesday at 8:30 AM until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM. Rev. William A. Thaden, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst, where Amvets post 32 of Elyria will conduct Military Honors.
Special thanks to Mercy New Life Hospice for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the Sacred Heart Chapel Memorial Fund.
For expressions of sympathy and further information please see, Reidyfuneral.com