Wilfrid “Uncle Willy” Rodrique, 75 of Auburn died on Wednesday, April 4, 2012.
He leaves behind four siblings, Jean-Paul Rodrique of Cherry Valley, Albert Rodrique of Worcester, George Rodrique of Florida and Phil Rodrique, of Cape Cod. He also leaves two sisters, Theresa Lessard of Florida and Eva Donovan of Millbury, A sister, Yvette Rockwood, predeceased him in 2005. He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces as well as many great nephews and nieces.
Willy was born in Worcester, son of Stanislaus and Marie-Rose Rodrique and lived in Auburn for many years. He was a 1954 graduate of Commerce High School in Worcester, and upon graduation, enlisted in the Air Force. Throughout his deployment, Willy proudly served our country while stationed in Alaska and upstate New York.
Returning from the Air Force, he then worked for Anderson Brush in Auburn for more than thirty years.
Willy enjoyed spending time with best friends Billy, Stu, and Smitty playing Keno at Herbies. Willy took great pleasure in having breakfast at The Broadway with his good friend Jerry. He looked forward to Tuesday mornings, always up for playing the card game “Hand Foot” with his brothers and sister. He also had a great love for sports, especially golf. He was a dedicated baseball coach and bought many children their first baseball glove. He devoted much of his free time teaching his nephews and nieces how to play ball too. He loved spending time with them, and will always be remembered as a father to many.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, April 12, from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Britton Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral will be held on Friday, April 13th from the funeral home with a Mass celebrated at 10 A.M. in St. Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford St., Auburn with burial following in Worcester County Memorial Park Cemetery, Paxton. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.