Reverend Candelario Rodriguez, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at his home in Kissimmee, Florida, surrounded by his loving family—faithfully preaching the Word of God until his final moments.
Born on February 2, 1933, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, he was the beloved son of Rosenda Ríos and Juan Rodriguez, and the middle child among sixteen siblings. From an early age, he was guided by a deep sense of faith, compassion, and a calling to serve others.
A devoted minister and spiritual leader, Reverend Rodriguez graduated from the Spanish-American Bible Institute of New York on June 27, 1959, and was ordained on July 5, 1968. Soon after, he founded the Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ Inc. at 595 Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, where he faithfully pastored for 35 years.
His transformational leadership and firm devotion touched countless lives across generations. The church he founded remains there today as a testament to his enduring legacy. Through his work, he demonstrated a deep commitment to uplifting others, always extending God’s love beyond the church walls with compassion and humility. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Reverend Rodriguez was a proud member of the Association of Chaplains. His missionary work led him to the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Panama, and Honduras—bringing faith, hope, and healing to communities in need. He served and ministered to vulnerable populations, offering support and care.
Reverend Rodriguez was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a spiritual father to many. He is survived by his beloved wife, Zoraida Rodriguez, whom he married on April 14, 1984. Together, they shared 41 years of love and unwavering faith.
His children adored him deeply and always regarded him as an example of love, faith, and strength. He is survived by his children: Wanda, Milton, Sandra R., Brenda, Edwin, Betsy, Sandra N., and Abner; his grandchildren: Amira, Elexida, Annisa, Michael, Ashley, Bryan, Zachary, Skyler, Joash, Grace, Faith, and Cali; and his great-grandchildren: Athena, Issiah, and Penelope.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Milagros Rodriguez, who passed away on November 2, 1979, and with whom he shared 20 years of marriage. Milagros was the beloved mother of Wanda, Milton, Sandra R., Brenda, Edwin, and Betsy.
Reverend Candelario Rodriguez’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, enduring love, and tireless service to others. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him—and in the many lives he ministered to, mentored, and inspired.