On Easter Sunday, when some celebrate rebirth, the Rodriguez family in Sebastian mourns a death.
"It’s sort of comforting that he passed away on Easter weekend because any other day it would’ve been a regular day,” Melecio Rodriguez said. “But since it fell on a holy weekend, that gives us more at ease in our hearts."
His brother, Joe Rodriguez, died Saturday morning when he lost control of his motorcycle.
Texas DPS said the 38-year-old did not slow down enough to make a turn near Business 77 and Pauline Street in Sebastian.
"You want to know how he died, sit down I’ll tell you how he lived," he said about the way his brother died. “That’s what you need to remember, that’s the most important thing.”
Family said they will remember Joe as a committed father.
He leaves behind a 15-year-old son with his name.
"Every week at least, after school, we’d go to McDonalds or whatever and just eat in the truck," his son Joe said. “I loved him and I guess it was his time.”
Sunday afternoon, friends and family members comforted his son and each other.
They said it is hard for them to believe he is gone.
"He would do anything for anybody, take the shirt off his back and give it to you," Melecio said. “Fun loving guy, he was always there for anybody, no matter what time of day.”
They are asking the community for help to pay for their loved one's funeral.
Funeral services will take place at the Duddlesten Funeral Home in Raymondville.
Anyone who would like to help the family with funeral expenses call Melecio Rodriguez at (956) 622-6349
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT