Hernando “Tata” Rodriguez of Pelham, New York, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2022. He was 87 years old. Born in San Gil, Colombia to Abel and Visitacion Rodriguez. Hernando was one of three children. He attended Jesuit Schools growing up and graduated with a collegiate degree. Hernando was a phenomenal artist and during high school he used his love of art to create comics on cellulose acetate to form motion pictures. He would charge his friends a fee to view his creations. Hernando served an apprenticeship at the local bank, working under his father, and began his career as a banker. He would become a bank manager for Banco Cafetero in San Gil Colombia.

In 1960 Hernando met the love of his life, Beatriz Triana, while staying at her family’s bed and breakfast on a business trip. The two would marry on January 5, 1961, in Bogota Colombia. From their marriage they produced a daughter Maria del Pilar. The family would move to the United States on September 1, 1973, in hopes of a better life. They settled in Forest Hills, Queens NY, where they raised their daughter.

Community service was a big part of Hernando’s life. He founded the Legion of Mary in San Gil Colombia. The mission would pray for those in need and built churches, schools, hospitals for the poor and struggling areas. In the United States he would volunteer his time on Veterans Day by putting together goodie bags and handwriting beautiful thank you cards using calligraphy as well as supporting his three granddaughters with their Girl Scout projects.

Hernando will be remembered as an intelligent, strong willed, imaginative, detail oriented, artistic, generous, loving, and caring man. He was a voracious reader and had a thirst for knowledge unlike anyone. He had a quirky sense of humor and warm smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Hernando is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Beatriz Rodriguez; his daughter Maria del Pilar, his son in law Frank Rosell, his step-grandmother Cecilia Rodriguez, his brothers, Alvaro and wife Lola Rodriquez; Raul and wife Sandra Rodriguez and by his beloved granddaughters, Erika, Katherine and Kimberly Rosell. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Hernando leaves behind his best friend Teddy Rosell, the family dog. He is predeceased by his parents, Abel and Visitacion Rodriguez, and is also predeceased by his very young sons Arturo, Alvaro and Antonio Rodriguez.

A mass will be held at St. Catharine’s Church located at 25 Second Ave., Pelham, NY on Saturday, September 24th at 10AM. A live stream of the services can be found by clicking here.

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.