Clemente Rodriguez Jr.'s Obituary
Clemente Rodriguez Jr., whose love for baking was matched only by that of being a father to his two sons, departed this world at 8:37 a.m. on August 23, 2023, leaving an unfillable hole in the lives of his family and friends.
Born on November 1, 1982, in Eustis, Florida, to parents Clemente Rodriguez Sr. and Ramona Trevino Rodriguez, Clemente lived a life filled with kindness, love and thoughtfulness. Always considered the most gracious soul to be around, Clemente had a playful smile that drew in everyone he encountered. After graduating in 2001 from Mount Dora High School, where he played soccer, he attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Known as “Mentos” in high school and until his death by his closest friends, Clemente had a lifelong love of the outdoors. Some of his fondest memories were working in the Florida Keys, as he always loved being in the sun. His best memories though were with his family, making carnitas by his father’s side; a tradition since childhood that bonded his family. Clemente never missed a chance to cook carnitas and be surrounded by his family.
Clemente grew up taking pleasure in cooking – and especially baking. The family was always proud of Clemente and admired how he could be creative with food. He was so passionate that anyone could see immediately how his eyes lit up with excitement anytime he had an opportunity to turn his imagination into something unique. Clemente’s greatest reward was to cook for his family, and he loved to cook for his two sons, Michael Sebastian Rodriguez and Zachariah Clemente Rodriguez, the pride and joy of his life. He never stopped talking about his boys to anyone who would listen; they meant everything to him, but at the same time, he treated everyone he met like family, as well.
Clemente touched the lives of all who knew him and will forever be mourned. He is survived by his wife Janki Uttam Kadam; mother, Ramona Trevino Rodriguez (Frank Stephen Crixell), and father, Clemente Rodriguez Sr; sons, Michael Sebastian and Zachariah Clemente Rodriguez; siblings, Angela Lamb (Pat Lamb), Irene Rodriguez (Alisandro Esquivel), and Marivel Filippini; nieces and nephews Ramon, Rebekah, Angel, Alejandro, Alisandro, Rene, Jarrid, Jadyn and Sol; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations for his sons; please contact one of his sisters for more information.
Service will be held at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish, located at 226 E. Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778, on Saturday, September 2, 2023. A private viewing will take place from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and a public viewing from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. A service will follow at 1:00 PM and a reception immediately after the service, location to be announced.
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