LCPL Matthew R. Rodriguez, U.S.M.C., 19 years old, of Fairhaven was killed in action in Afghanistan on Wednesday December 11, 2013.
Born in Wareham, the son of Rolando “Rod” and Lisa (Johnson) Rodriguez, he lived in Fairhaven all of his life.
Matthew, who was affectionately known as “Matt-Man”, was a 2012 graduate of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on August 20, 2012.
He enjoyed playing baseball and hockey. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox.
He is survived by his parents, Rod and Lisa; his fianceé, Julia Tapper of Fairhaven; his siblings, Lisa Doherty and her husband Joseph of Taunton, Lauren Webber and her husband Scott of Brockton, and Adam Rodriguez of Fairhaven; his nieces, Katelyn and Alison Webber and Abigail Doherty; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
His Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 10 AM at the First Congregational Church of Fairhaven, 34 Center St., Fairhaven. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be on Sunday from 1-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Additional offsite parking will be available at St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow St., Mattapoisett with continuous shuttle bus service to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.