Miguel Joaquin (Jack) Rodriguez

Miguel Joaquin Rodriguez, more fondly known to many as Jack, passed away leaving many broken hearts behind on July 5th, 2026.

Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 at St. Mary – Stony Hill Church, 225 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ, 07069. Guests can begin to arrive at the church at approximately 9:30AM to welcome the family, and be prepared for the beginning of Mass at 10:00AM.

Jack was born to parents Cirilo Aurelio and Maria Rodriguez on November 28th, 1947 in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Jack spent his early years in Cuba before emigrating to the United States in 1964. Jack was a hardworking entrepreneur who started various businesses throughout his life. Including some with his brother, such as liquor, grocery, and furniture stores. While running his businesses, he began driving an armored truck for Coin Depot Corporation, where he continued working his way to the top, eventually retiring in the mid 2000’s, as the CEO of the company. Jack was diligent in providing for his family. Not only did he ensure they had the best that life could offer, but he also made sure to take care of many others to help them do the same for their families. Additionally, he began working with the Special Police for the City of Newark in the 80’s, once again putting other people’s needs above his own. His work with Newark was something that he valued and continued doing in his retirement and was still doing prior to his passing. He was an extremely generous, caring, and honorable man, which was clearly reflected in the way he lived his life.

Jack was a man of devout faith. His belief stemmed from his upbringing, and was a guiding light for his morals. Jack attended mass weekly and raised his children to have the same devout faith and great appreciation for the world that he had. As they say, hard work bears great rewards, and Jack’s hard work allowed him to enjoy many of the finer things in life. This is something Jack was grateful to be able to share with his family and friends, especially coming from such humble beginnings. Jack was known for always dressing “to the 9’s” and took great pride in his appearance and in living a healthy lifestyle. He became an avid runner and workout enthusiast and continued to do so until the very end. He loved to enjoy a great meal and spending time with his family and friends, always treating everyone. Above all, family was most important to Jack. He loved and cared for all those around him, and was always concerned with the well-being of others, which was prevalent in his hard work, his great respect for law enforcement and his faith. Jack was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and loyal friend to many. Jack will be greatly missed, but he will never be forgotten.

Jack is predeceased by his parents Cirilo Aurelio Rodriguez and Maria (Ortega) Rodriguez. He is survived by his children Ruben J. Rodriguez, and Maritza R. Sokolosky and her husband Billy, his grandchildren David Miguel Sokolosky and Olivia Sokolosky, his twin brother J. Michael Rodriguez and his wife Rose, and many extended family and friends.

A light from the household is gone, but it will shine brightly in all those that Jack cared for and loved. May he rest in eternal peace.

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