In Loving Memory of Carlos Rodriguez:

Carlos, a beloved husband, father, uncle, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024 at 68 years old. His sudden departure has left a profound void in our lives, but his memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Born April 12, 1956 in Callao, Peru, Carlos was the son of Alberto and Elena Rodriguez. Carlos grew up in a full house of siblings; with sisters Alicia, Nora, Belinda and brother Tito. Growing up around Lima, he developed a love for futbol and supported the local clubs, but his true sporting passion lay in supporting the Peruvian national team. This is also where his passion for music began to flourish as he would play guitar with his cousins regularly. Due to political unrest, Carlos immigrated to the United States in 1978. Knowing his future wife Maria since childhood, they married in 1986 and started a family in Melrose Park, IL, eventually cementing roots in Elmwood Park, IL.

Carlos had a remarkable talent for making the world a more beautiful place. He had an excellent sense of humor and would take every opportunity to make others laugh, whether it was a coworker or with his children and their friends. He was also a very creative individual and his hands were his biggest asset; skilled in construction, vintage restorations, drawing, and musical ability. He had a knack for fixing and refurbishing just about anything which came in hand with his love of antiquing. He had an exceptional eye for finding gems as an antique collector. Whether it was at a thrift store, antique shop, or estate sale you better believe he would drive a bargain. But most of all, he truly had a passion for music and was gifted in several musical instruments including the bass, timbales, and his favorite, the guitar. Whether he was singing a Carlos Santana song with the band or playing an instrument, his talents were undeniable.

Carlos was well known for a quiet yet exceptionally kind demeanor. More than anything else, Carlos dearly loved his family. The love of his life Maria, and their two beautiful children, were Carlos' greatest achievements and legacy. Caring for his sister Nora in Chicago and trips back to Peru to visit with his extended family were also his highest priorities.

Carlos is survived by his wife of 38 years, Maria Rodriguez; children, Bruce Rodriguez of Hawaii and Xandra Rodriguez of New York; sister, Nora Rodriguez of Chicago. He was predeceased by his parents Alberto and Elena, sisters Alicia Ramirez and Belinda Rodriguez, and brother Tito Rodriguez.

If sending flowers, please send them to the family home at 7825 W. Cortland St. Elmwood Park, IL 60707.

A Celebration of Life party will be held at a later date at his home in Elmwood Park, IL.

In closing, here are some hopeful and joyous words from Celia Cruz' 'La Vida es un Carnaval':

Anyone thinking that life is harsh,

Needs to know that's not the case,

That life is beautiful, you must live it.

Anyone thinking their alone and that that's Bad,

Needs to know that's not the case,

That in life no one is alone, there is always Someone.

Ay, there's no need to cry, because life is a Carnival,

It's more beautiful to live singing. Oh,

Ay, there's no need to cry, For life is a carnival And your pains go away by singing.

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Todo aquel que piense que la vida es Desigual,

Tiene que saber que no es así,

Que la vida es una hermosura, hay que Vivirla!

Todo aquel que piense que está solo y que Está mal,

Tiene que saber que no es asi, Que en la vida no hay nadie solo,

siempre Hay alguien. Ay, no hay que llorar,

que la vida es un Carnaval. Es más bello vivir cantando,

Oh, oh, oh, ay, no hay que llorar, Que la vida es un carnaval,

Y las penas se van cantando.