Luis F. Rodrigues

Luis F. Rodrigues passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Saturday, July 6, 2024 in Delray Beach, Florida. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.  Born on January 21, 1949, in Lisbon, Portugal, Luis started life struggling with severe illness that left him confined to a hospital for more than 4 years as a young child.  Despite many surgeries and physical adversities, Luis worked hard to excel as a musician, industrial draftsman and eventually an electronics engineer; most of which he achieved without formal education.  He always demonstrated full dedication to anything he did and accomplished everything to the absolute best of his ability.

In his early years, Luis’ passion for music motivated him to become classically trained in Accordion.  As a teenager he was part of various Portuguese traditional/folk music groups that performed throughout the country.  In fact, the first time his wife saw Luis was during a performance on a popular national television show!  His love for music continued with Luis traveling with various cover bands performing around the country and in Europe, primarily as a Hammond organ and keyboard player.  He would also often pull out his accordion for special occasions to the delight of his family and friends.  As the years passed, Luis composed several songs, including beautiful lullabies for his grandchildren, most of which he published on YouTube and registered with the Library of Congress.  His music can be enjoyed in his YouTube channels - https://www.youtube.com/@luisvaccordion3096, https://www.youtube.com/@luisvirtualband4574, https://www.youtube.com/@luisaccordion-christmastim2885, and  https://www.youtube.com/@luisacousticaccordion3583.

To provide a better future for his family, Luis and his family decided to pursue a new dream in the United States.  The family of four arrived in the US in 1984, each with two large suitcases, ready to start a new life in such a great and beautiful country.  From here, Luis’ story becomes a true “American Dream”.  Through sponsorship from his wife’s brother, Alfredo Silva and family, and a Philadelphia-based company, Cardone Industries, Luis started a long and successful career in Engineering where he spent the next 31 years building highly sophisticated test equipment that enabled the company to grow and expand in its production capabilities, capacity and competitive advantage.  Through his hard work and inventive spirit, Luis, several of his colleagues, and the company, obtained a patent for a new testing device for modern car computers.  Additionally, his courage and hard work paid forward in the lives of his family, creating opportunities for his children and grandchildren.  One of his proudest moments was when he became a US Citizen in 2008.

Shortly after arriving in the United States Luis re-dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through a ministry started within Cardone Industries.  Luis’ devotion to his faith and use of his musical talents to serve others in the church are a true testament to what defined him.  In his passing, Luis was joyful knowing he was about to enter the presence of his God.  He was helpful to anyone that needed it, truly caring for his family, and truly being a quiet voice and shining light for everyone around him.

Luis is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susette Rodrigues, his brother, Fernando Jose Rodrigues (Portugal), his children Cristina Silva, and Luis M. Rodrigues (Janet), and grandchildren, David Silva, Andrew Silva, Jacob Rodrigues, and Jamie Rodrigues.  He was preceded in death by his parents Joaquim Rodrigues and Angelica Dionisio Rodrigues (Portugal).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Evangel Church, 810 East Marshall Street Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401 with visitation from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Online condolences may be respectfully posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com