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" and "Smiley", was a 2012 graduate of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on August 20, 2012.
He loved being an uncle and was devoted & loyal, to a fault, to family and friends. He was known, by many, for his infectious smile and blazing blue eyes. He was proud of his Cuban heritage. He was extremely proud of being a United States Marine. His truck was his prized possession.
Matthew was an accomplished athlete, playing baseball for most of his life and hockey at GNBRVTHS. He was an avid sports fan, devoted to the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox.
He is survived by his loving parents, Rod and Lisa; the love of his life, his fiancée, Julia Tapper of Fairhaven; his siblings, Adam Rodriguez of Fairhaven; Lisa Doherty and her husband Joseph of Taunton, Lauren Webber and her husband Scott of Brockton, and his nieces, Abigail Doherty and Katelyn & Alison Webber. He is also survived by his future in-laws, Christopher and Diane Tapper of Fairhaven; the entire Tapper family, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends from all over the country.
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.