CHALMETTE -- Flags are at half-staff today in St. Bernard Parish, in honor of former Parish President Junior Rodriguez.
He passed away early Thursday morning, at the age of 82.
The parish historian says Rodriguez was in government for 31 consecutive years, making him one of the longest serving politicians in the parish.
Step into Rocky and Carlo's and it's just as easy to find people with memories of Junior Rodriguez as it is to find a plate of their famous mac and cheese.
"Junior was a very, very generous friend. He did so much for so many people," said William Hyland, the Historian for St. Bernard who says he is a "distant relative" of Rodriguez's.
"He was a tireless worker for the people down there," added Tony Fernandez, who worked with Rodriguez when he was a parish employee.
But those who knew him, also described him as a "worthy adversary."
"Tell the damn truth to people. Don't go out there, keep lying to people. Tell the truth. You want to come play by your rules and Robert's Rules of Orders {SIC} You're going to play by mine for a while," Rodriguez said in a parish meeting years ago.
"When he needed to particularly make a point, he'd be very forceful, very forceful, and very dramatic," Fernandez said.
"What is this? A dictatorship? It must be. I thought Hitler was dead and buried, but I guess he done come back to life," Rodriguez quipped into the microphone at another parish meeting.
The former St. Bernard Parish President is also known for his leather vest and walking stick. Once he poked President George W. Bush with it while he was in St. Bernard in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
He also was critical of FEMA and, in frustration while trying to rebuild the parish, considered hiring the agency's former leader, Michael Brown as a consultant after he resigned.
"I'd make a deal with the devil himself. Who would know any more about the infrastructure and the bureaucratic red tape of FEMA than the director himself?" Rodriguez posed a rhetorical question to a reporter.
For others who evacuated after the storm, and watched news coverage from out-of-town, Rodriguez left an impression.
"And I just remember Junior being interviewed and he was so devastated for the community. I mean, this was, these were his people, and it was so bad. It was so destructive here," said Roberta Mannino who lives in Metairie.
FULL STATEMENT FROM ST. BERNARD PARISH:
Condolences for the Late Henry Joseph “Junior” Rodriguez, Jr.
Chalmette, LA - St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis announces the death of Henry Joseph “Junior” Rodriguez, Jr, who passed early this morning, May 3, 2018 at the age of 82 years.
Junior Rodriguez served the people of St. Bernard Parish as a Police Juror, Councilman, Police Jury President and Vice-President, Councilman-at-Large and Parish President for more than 31 years consecutively. “Junior was a friend and mentor to me throughout my life and was instrumental in my decision to be a public servant.” “He was a big personality with an even bigger heart. We lost an icon that will never be replaced,” said Parish President Guy McInnis.
Junior Rodriguez was a pioneer in coastal restoration, garnering national recognition for his leadership. He authored some of the first local legislation addressing coastal restoration in Louisiana and was responsible for the construction of the first fresh water diversion structure in Louisiana. Junior was passionate about St. Bernard, its people and resources.
“Having had the opportunity to serve with Junior as a fellow councilmember and during his administration as Parish President, I came to know him as a man passionate about representing the people of St. Bernard and, in particular, his leadership in advancing issues of coastal protection and restoration as well as preserving the cultural heritage of St. Bernard and the Islenos and Canary Island Community,” said Former Parish President Craig Taffaro.
“President Rodriguez lead this community during its darkest days after the complete devastation of St. Bernard Parish by Hurricane Katrina.” “Through his leadership during the incipient stages of rebuilding, St. Bernard Parish has been able to return as a progressive and healthy community.” “The people of St. Bernard owe a debt of gratitude to Junior for no one loved this parish more than he,” said Former Parish President David Peralta.
“Junior was the best Politician I ever met. We were not always on the same side but you always knew where he stood. He was a true friend,” said Former Parish President Charles Ponstein.
Parish President McInnis, the St. Bernard Parish Council and the employees of St. Bernard Parish Government extend their most heartfelt condolences to the Rodriguez family.
The Rodriguez family extends their heartfelt gratitude for all the thoughts and prayers. Arrangements will be announced when finalized.