Antonio "Tony" F. Rodrigues Jr, age 88, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on January 9, 2026.

Tony was born on August 1, 1937, to Antonio and Palmira Rodrigues. A man of deep and unwavering faith, he lived his life grounded in his belief in God, drawing strength, comfort, and purpose from that faith throughout his life.

Tony shared his life with several women who were important chapters of his story. He was first married to Jean, the mother of his daughters. He later married Bonnie, the mother of his son Chad. He later married Mary Rodrigues, who preceded him in death in 2005, and Carolyn Spring, who preceded him in death in 2018. Each relationship marked a meaningful chapter of his life, and he carried those memories with him always.

Family

Tony was the beloved son of Antonio and Palmira Rodrigues.

He grew up alongside his siblings, listed in birth order:

Laura Barrozo (deceased) and her husband Al Barrozo (deceased)

Linda Jamshidian and her husband Dari

Lawrence "Larry" Rodrigues (deceased) and his wife Luanne

Tony was the proud father of his children, listed in birth order:

Debra Hubai and her husband Dave

Vanessa Morris (deceased), formerly married to Swanie

Jacqueline Rivera

Jeannette Varandas and her husband Jorge

Chad Rodrigues and his girlfriend Maree

Tony was a devoted grandfather and is survived by his grandchildren, listed alphabetically:

Alesha, Antonia (Tony), Christian, Jorge (Jorgie), Joseph (Joey), Meeshka, Michael, Rachel, Shavonne, and Tiana.

Tony was also blessed to be a great-grandfather and is survived by his great-grandchildren, listed alphabetically:

Aaliyah, April, Arielle, Gerry, Geremy, Jon, Kaylin, Mahki, Makayla, Malachi, Markel, and Remi.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, listed alphabetically:

Bino, Keyan, Laura (Laurie), Lawrence, Marshall, Millie, Tara, Tiffany, and Zowie.

Tony is further survived by his grandnieces and grandnephews, listed alphabetically:

Daryl, Deliah, Ian, Logan, Luke, and Rasean, as well as cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Tony shared a special and meaningful bond with Norma Farfante, who brought companionship, warmth, and joy into his life during its later chapters. Their connection was deeply valued and held a special place in his heart.

He shared a particularly close bond with his grandchildren, including Christian and Meeshka, who brought him great joy and pride. He also held a warm affection for their mother, Marina, who was important to him as the mother of his grandchildren and a meaningful part of their lives.

Remembering Tony

Tony was known for being strong in his faith, musically talented, and comical, often bringing laughter and music into the lives of those around him. Music was one of his greatest passions, and he took immense pride in composing nearly 1,700 original songs over his lifetime. Through his music, he built a wide and devoted online community, connecting with thousands of friends and followers around the world who were inspired by his creativity, faith, and spirit.

Tony will be remembered for his resilience, his devotion to family, and the way he blended deep faith with a joyful and lighthearted spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Palmira Rodrigues; his spouses Mary Rodrigues and Carolyn Spring; his daughter Vanessa Morris; and his siblings Laura Barrozo and Lawrence "Larry" Rodrigues.

Burial Service

A burial service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at

Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery,

US-301, Dade City, Florida 33525.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hodges Family Funeral Home.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He restores my soul." — Psalm 23:1,3

With love, always — your family.