Joaquim Manuel Roderick

Joaquim M. Rodrigues, a/k/a Roderick, retired Air Force member passed away at the age of 90 on December 10, 2009 at his home. He is preceded in death by his spouse, Maria Fusaro Roderick; sister, Anna Maria Rodrigues-Askew; and brother, John M. Rodrigues. He is survived by his three brothers; Joseph, Daniel and Frank Rodrigues; his five daughters; Rosita Strong, Emanuela Spivey, Alicia Ramseur, Lucia Sapp and Anita Thomas. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Roderick was a member of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Descendants of Whaling Masters of New Bedford, Massachusetts and was instrumental in doing research in the life of his Grandfather, Whaling Captain John T. Gonsalves; the last captain of the Charles W. Morgan, voyage #37. He conducted numerous speaking engagements on whaling throughout Florida. Visitation will be held at Beach Funeral Home, Indian Harbour Beach from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 13, 2009. Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home, Monday, December 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m., interment to follow at Florida Memorial Gardens with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Vitas Hospice of Melbourne, Florida.