Andres Rodriguez Camacho

Andres Rodriguez Camacho was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico (PR) on April 16, 1927. He died in Sunrise, FL on March 3, 2020. He is survived by his son Andrew; daughter, Enid; granddaughter Liesel; great granddaughter, Jana Karynn; great-great grandson Aaron Jacob; and great-great grandsons Axton ames and Elias Makai. The marriage of Andres and his wife Haydee, who passed away in November, 2017, lasted 75 years. Andres worked as a diamond cutter, head waiter, and Host-Banquet Specialist at the Hotels Pierre and Waldorf Astoria, NY for over 38 years. Andres moved to NYC in 1946; married his wife Haydee in 1947; brought with them from PR to his step-brother Ralphy, 3 yr old, whose mother had died; they raised him as their loving son. Andres like his father, Don Titi-Juan Bautista, were stars in playing guitar and singing to the classical songs of PR. Andres always placed family first throughout his life-time. He and his wife facilitated his son's and daughter's University education-his son received a doctorate in education- administration and supervision at Fordham University and supported his daughter to graduate from Adelphi University as a licensed and accomplished bilingual early childhood and elementary school teacher. Andres unique smile and great sense of humor stole the hearts of family and friends. If ever he became challenged in any matter or situation he became stubborn and resisted to dialogue with anyone who annoyed him. However, he immediately had a change of attitude and heart showing his special ability to become understanding, tender, and gentle. Andres always showed his humane nature and compassion for anyone experiencing troubled times and needs and to whom he offered his selfless services as he always practiced with his own family and friends. Andres appreciated diversity in cultures and ethnic groups in our nation. He took courses and read profusely on Western-Eastern religions, philosophies, international literature; and, he practiced meditation techniques. He learned to speak Italian, French,and English needed for his work in Hotel Pierre. His best friends were Italian who called him Andrea thinking he was a short Italian man due to his long thin nose and handsome profile. His best Italian friend and co-worker, Carlo, was a famous boxer from Italy, Carlo joined and became a Rodriguez family member joining in all weekly activities; became the confirmation godfather of his son Andrew ; Andres and son became his caretakers when he became ill; when he died, he was buried with the Rodriguez's family deceased grandparents. Andres was the patriarch-leader of his family and friends. He valued the principles of courage, strength, independence, persistence and practiced strong faith, hope, and love in sustaining his family and friends in joyful and difficult life situations. Andres graduated as a licensed, professional technician from the NY Technical Institute in specialized areas of AC/Refrigeration. Andres will be viewed at the TM Ralph Sawgrass/Weston Funeral Home, Sunrise, FL from 2 PM to 5 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2020. A Mass will be held at the All Saints Catholic Church, Sunrise, FL, at 11 AM on Monday, March 9, 2020. Following the Church Mass, Andres internment will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, State Road 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33058. Donations may be contributed, instead of flowers, to the St. Jude Children's Hospital Foundation.