Donald Patrick Rodriguez

Donald Patrick Rodriguez (Rod), age 72 of Maryville, passed away peacefully in Comfort Care at Blount Memorial Hospital Tuesday, March 10, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Andrea Pertuit for 50 years and the most loving father of Mr. Aaron Patrick Rodriguez (Shea Love), his only child and the very proud grandfather of his only grandchild, Miss Jade Conino. Mr. Rodriguez was the son of the late Ivy J. Rodriguez, Sr. and Genevieve Treige Rodriguez and brother to the late Ivy Rodriguez, Jr. He is survived by his beloved sister, Kathleen Huton as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rod was a resident of South Louisiana for 65 years, retiring to Maryville in 2014 to enjoy life in the Smokey Mountains. Mr. Rodriguez, a proud veteran, served his country for a total of 14 years as a member of the United States Navy. During his time in service he participated in fleet operations on the U.S.S. Hector throughout Japan, China and the Philippines. Later, as a reservist, he participated in riverine operations with the “Brown Water Navy”. In civilian life, Mr. Rodriguez enjoyed a 50 plus year career in the Marine and Rail industries. As an engineer and Project Manager, he traveled the world working in North and South America, England, West Europe, Asia, and the Emirates. Mr. Rodriguez eventually established and operated his own company, RODCO POWER PRODUCTS, until his full retirement in 2018. In addition to his military and professional careers, Mr. Rodriguez was a private pilot who gave many volunteer hours to the Belle Chasse Wing of the Louisiana Civil Air Patrol achieving the rank of Coronel. During this time, Mr. Rodriguez flew search and rescue missions and participated in numerous drug enforcement operations with a variety of state and federal agencies. Mr. Rodriguez was a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and a lifetime member of the Air Force Association. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society, Jill Rollins, Memorial Chair, 2330 Chesterfield Drive, Maryville, TN 37803. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald Patrick Rodriguez please visit our Sympathy Store.