Ferdinand Rojas-Rodriguez, passed away on August 22, 2022, at the age of 81. He was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico to his parents Pedro Rojas and Agueda Rodriguez.
Rojas grew up in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and moved to Brooklyn, New York, as a teenager where he later joined the New York Police Department. He then joined the U.S. Army in 1965 and served in various capacities, including intelligence and military police. He served in Vietnam on 2 separate tours, as well as Panama, Germany, Alaska, and South Korea. After 26 years of military service, he retired as a Staff Sergeant at Ft. Meade, Maryland.
Rojas went on to work as an armed security guard for many years and retired at 70 years of age. During his years in Maryland, he made many friends and acquaintances. He loved to entertain at his home where he always brought out the domino table, enjoyed doing pig roasts, had loud salsa music playing in the background, and had everyone laughing into the late hours. His large circle of friends, his family, and his beloved Baltimore Orioles baseball team were the center of his joy.
In 2015, Rojas relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he continued to beat everyone at his game of dominos at the local senior center. He also was a regular at the local Zaza’s Cuban Café, where the staff welcomed him and treated him like family.
Despite his medical setbacks over the years, he always put the needs of his family and friends above his own and would do anything for them no matter near or far. His positive disposition, generosity and laughter will always be remembered. Our family is grateful to know that Rojas’ faith has ushered him into the arms of Jesus.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lucia Rojas; his foster brother, Delio Rivera; his daughter, Wendy Rojas, and many other family members, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his foster brother, Monserrate Andujar, and his son, Derek Rojas.
A celebration of his life will take place at Newcomer, 895 S. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, FL, 32822, on Wednesday, 31 August. The viewing will be from 4 to 6pm, immediately followed by a memorial service.