Obituary of Antonio Rodriguez

Antonio "Tony" Margarito Rodriguez was born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico on August 20, 1962. He was the only child born of the late Antonio Rodriguez and Angelita Del Valle. As a young man, Tony came to the United States with his father. They resided in New York attending public school in Brooklyn. He moved to Monroe in 1983. Tony married Roxan Risden on March 9, 1990. Together they raised two boys. Tony was a hardworking man, while in Monroe he was employed by North Star Steel at Magnumet for many years. Eventually, Tony went to work for Ferrous Processing and Trading Company in Detroit as a Skilled Crane and Heavy Equipment Operator. He was a member of the Teamster Union Local 337 until medically retiring in 2013. When Tony wasn't enjoying his work, he spent his time enjoying his family and playing with his two dogs. He often had cookouts with his family and friends and always made extra steaks for the dogs. He was very proud of being a grandfather of two and enjoyed talking about them every chance he had. In his down time, Tony often enjoyed fishing, even for crawdads. His favorite game to play was dominoes. Tony loved watching television especially martial arts movies. He enjoyed tinkering with cars and had a few motorcycles in his life that he loved riding. When going out to eat, Tony always looked for new places to experience. Antonio "Tony" Margarito Rodriguez, age 51 of Detroit passed away at 2:12am, Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. In addition to his father's passing, his passing was preceded by his -father-in-law: Jimmie Risden; and two brother-in-laws: David Risden and John Reagan To cherish his memory he leaves five children: Matthew Lucas (Amanda) Rodriguez, Lucas Antonio Rodriguez both of Monroe, Antoinette Rodriguez, Antonio Rodriguez, and Jeremi Rodriguez; seven grandchildren: Matthew Lucas II and Gabriella Elizabeth Rodriguez of Monroe, Issac Rodriguez, Blake Rodriguez, Jayceon Jackson, Autumn Jackson, and Lisa Marie Asanti; a cousin: Carmen Margarito of Everett, Massachusetts; loving family members: Roxan Rodriquez, Shirley Risden and Robin Reagan; two beloved American Pit Bull Terriers: Angel and Mr. Frost. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 7:00pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Tony's Life will follow at 7:00pm also at Merkle's with Pastor Gary Pickrell, Associate Pastor of Monroe Full Gospel Church officiating. Cremation will follow through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the family for funeral expenses. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.