Edwin Rene Rodriguez, 69, of Lebanon, passed away Monday, April 27, 2020 at home. He was the husband of the late Sonia Esther Rodriguez. Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on February 21, 1951, Edwin was a son of the late Miguel and Gloria (Albino) Rodriguez.

He worked as an electrician for The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg for 35 years before retiring. Edwin was one of a kind. Hard working, humble, and trustworthy – a true gentleman.

Soft spoken, optimistic, and slow to raise his voice, Edwin was a friend and a role model to so many. He loved to reminisce about the way things used to be, often sharing stories about the history of Lebanon, the town he spent most of his life in. He loved to laugh and was proud to be (his words) “the only Puerto Rican who spoke Pennsylvania Dutch”.

Those who knew Edwin had a tremendous amount of respect for him. He had a strong work ethic and always held firm on what was most important – his family. Edwin knew love in its simplest form – surrounded by the children he and his wife so lovingly raised and their children, who he loved with all his heart.

He married the love of his life, Sonia, who he met in 1984 and, until her untimely passing last August, was the epitome of what every husband should be – loving, supportive, and kind. They loved to travel and spontaneous weekend trips weren’t unusual. Edwin and Sonia had countless adventures traveling the East Coast from top to bottom. Their marriage and devotion to each other was an inspiration to their children and although their hearts are broken, they find comfort in knowing that Edwin and Sonia are together again.

Edwin is survived by four daughters – Jeanette Torres, wife of Richard, Janice Justiniano, wife of Juan, Jennifer L. Rodriguez, and Crystal M. Rodriguez; son-in-law, Yahottiea Travis “Tony”; nine grandchildren – Destiny J. Torres, Kelsey B. Travis, Aaliyah E. Torres, Hannah R. Travis, Brayden S. Travis, Adam M. Moyer, Anthony P. Travis, Joshua R. Justiniano, and Jayson R. Justiniano; a sister, Maria Simonton, wife of Jake; three nieces; one nephew; four grandnieces and two grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Rodriguez and his grandson, Tyler Anthony Travis.

Funeral services will be held privately. Interment will be at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com