Joseph Andrew “Andy” Rodriguez, age 88, formerly of Crown Point, Calumet Township, and East Chicago, IN passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026 in Manvel, TX after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 

Andy was born on April 18, 1938 in East Chicago, IN to the late Consuelo (née Ortiz) and Ysidro Rodriguez. 

He is survived by sister Mary “Liz” (née Rodriguez) (Late Rogelio Sr.) Oria of East Chicago, IN and brother Patrick “Richie“ Rodriguez Sr. of Indianapolis, IN, sons Mark (Lisa) Rodriguez of Manvel, TX & Rodney Rodriguez of Mishawaka, IN, granddaughters Amelia Rodriguez of Chicago, IL & Sara Rodriguez of Granger, IN and grandsons Joseph “Joey” Rodriguez & Miguel “Mikey” Rodriguez both of Manvel, TX.  

He is also survived by his niece (Honorary daughter) Melinda (née Sanchez) (Jeremie) Marquez and grand niece (Honorary granddaughter) Lauren Marquez all of Crown Point, IN.; his Aunt Maria “Mary” (née Jimenez) (Late Salvador Sr.) Rodriguez & Uncle Alex Sr. (Late Angie (née Ortiz) Curiel along with many nieces,  nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Andy was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 51 years, Virginia “Vikki” (née Reyna) Rodriguez, who passed on October 11, 2012; his parents; brothers Rudolfo “Rudy” (Herminia) Rodriguez, Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez, Andres Rodriguez & Juan Rodriguez; sisters Adelaide (née Rodriguez) Morales, Ramona (née Rodriguez) (Jesse) Vargas and Rita “Bernie” (née Rodriguez) Martinez.

Known as “Joe” at work, Andy began his career at Inland Steel Mill in East Chicago, IN in 1956 as a laborer. After completing his apprenticeship, he became a machinist. He retired in 2018 after an incredible 62 year career, making him, at that time, the second longest serving employee at the mill.

He married his high school sweetheart on June 24, 1961 in East Chicago, IN. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the US Army. He completed his basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky, and was later stationed in Giessen, Germany. His wife Vikki joined him at both locations. She then came back at the end of 1963 expecting their first child Mark right before Andy was discharged from the service. Followed by Rodney a year and a half later.

Though he described himself as someone who barely made it through East Chicago Washington High School in 1958, Andy actually had a genius IQ. He not only taught himself 7 different languages, but also taught himself how to invest in the stock market. He even got his son’s investing in the stock market when they were just 11 years old. Through his discipline and success, he provided opportunities for his children and grandchildren to pursue higher education and enabled him and Vikki to travel extensively across the United States and to more than 60 countries. 

Though he refused to co-sign any loans, believing it to be bad business, he quietly supported many family members financially over the years, often treating loans as gifts without real expectation of repayment.

He was strict, but also fun loving.  He was very generous, but if you asked him to share his food he’d say “get out of here” or “go ask your Mom“ unless of course he was eating something with Jalapeños in it, then he’d share just for the laugh. Andy was a tireless worker except in his sunset years at the Mill. He would come home from work and spend his evenings working on their cars, creating a carpet plush lawn, attending over 100 different educational and certification courses or helping others. His sons knew that because he owned a truck, when someone needed to borrow it, they were part of the package for loading and or unloading. And many times he would volunteer all three of their help in raking leaves, shoveling snow, putting up pools, or putting on new roofs. And under no circumstances were his sons allowed to take any money offered for their help. 

Andy’s religion was greatly influenced by his mother and sparked during his time as an altar boy. He raised his family with the same reverence and was known to quickly silence his rambunctious boys in church with one quick stare. As  a devout Catholic, he was adamant about the way he passed. Wearing a scapular, given Last Rites and hearing Sunday Mass the day before he passed were an important part of his transitioning.

After his faith and providing for his family, dancing was Andy’s next greatest passion. While Vikki initially danced for his sake, together they became exceptional ballroom dancers, often drawing admiration from those around them.

In his final days, Andy experienced what is sometimes called terminal lucidity, which is like an end-of-life rally. After a long period of decline, he briefly regained clarity, recognizing his son Mark, and speaking in English again. During that time, he even shared a slow dance with a nurse, a moment that reflected the joy he always found in dancing. It was a final glimpse of the man his family knew and loved.

Alzheimer’s disease changed Andy in his later years, and the journey was not always easy. But his family held onto the memory of the father, husband, grandfather and man he had always been- one who worked hard, loved deeply and gave generously.

In keeping with Andy’s wishes, there will be a short visitation on Thursday evening from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel of Merrillville, 7535 Taft St., Merrillville, IN 46410, with the Rosary being said by Deacon Tom Gryzbek at 6:30 pm. 

On Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:00 am there will be a Catholic Funeral Mass officiated by Fr. Ted Mauch at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish North Campus, 801 West 73rd Ave., Merrillville, IN 46410. After the Mass, a processional to the Mausoleum at Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 West 73rd Ave., Merrillville, IN 46410 for placement in his final resting place next to his beloved wife Vikki. 

In lieu of flowers, a long time ago Andy said he’d preferred his loved ones to either say a Rosary for him, have a Mass said on his behalf or just go visit an older relative or friend for an hour and ask questions and just listen to their old wonderful stories. May the Good Lord Bless and Keep him. If you look up to the sky and see the clouds swirling around, that’s surely Andy & Vikki dancing together again.