Heriberto Rodriguez

Heriberto Rodriguez, 80, of Plainsboro Township, formerly of Jersey City and Quebrada Camuy, Puerto Rico, entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 16, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Heriberto was born and raised in Puerto Rico. As a young man he worked in agriculture, which instilled in him a love for nature and gardening. At the age of 23 he settled in Jersey City, NJ where he raised his three children and worked as a heavy machine operator for Hartz Mountain in Harrison, New Jersey. After his children were grown, he moved in with his late mother, Santa Rodriguez, to help care for her.

 He eventually moved in with his daughter, Rosa, and her family in Plainsboro, NJ where he quickly became a friendly face in the community, known for always handing out goodies from his garden to the neighbors and sharing stories and laughs at the deli while buying his daily lottery tickets.

 Heriberto was extremely generous, whether it was slipping his grandchildren dollar bills, packing a to-go bag of veggies for every visitor who stopped by the house, or giving his time and attention to anyone in his family who needed it.

There was nothing Heriberto loved more than his family – he was the true embodiment of a “family man.” Spending time with his brothers, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought him the most joy. His brothers were his best friends and he continued to enjoy sitting outside and talking with them for hours on a weekly basis. He not only raised his own children, but played an integral role in raising his grandchildren as well – each of them has been blessed with invaluable memories of their time with him, both growing up as children and as adults. His sharp sense of humor and caring and loving personality will forever live in the hearts of his family.

Heriberto is survived, and will be deeply missed, by his children, Mayra Serena Rodriguez (Luis Esquilin), Rosa Isbela Ortiz (Matthew Ortiz), and Wilberto Rodriguez; 8 grandchildren, Jessenia Jimenez (Yesenia Jimenez), Linda Cornejo, Ashley Castro (Joel Castro), Ramon Sanchez (Brianna Sanchez), AJ Concepcion, Joseph Ortiz, Jasmine Rodriguez, and Mary Rodriguez; 12 great grandchildren, his brothers, Angel, Freddy, Benjamin and George Rodriguez; and countless other family members and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 21, 2021, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ, 07306( For GPS is best to use our parking lot address 14 Stagg St.). Funeral is on Thursday, July 22, 2021, 9:00 a.m. at Funeral Home, follow 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Holy Rosary Church, 344 6th St., Jersey City, NJ, 07302. Interment to follow at Bayview Cemetery, 321 Garfield Ave., Jersey City, NJ, 07305.