"Big John" WATERBURY- Jean P. Rodrigue, 69, known to many as "Big John", sent his message that he is well with God on May 15, 2013 at John Dempsey Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the devoted husband to Phyllis (Brier) Rodrigue for 47 years. Jean was born March 2, 1944 in St. Jean-de-la Lande, Quebec, Canada son of the late Romeo and Maryanna (Poulin) Rodrigue. He worked in the construction business for 49 years as an operating engineer for the Local 478 union, and an active member of the retirees local 478. John was a forth degree Knight for the Knights of Columbus, Waterbury. He was very patriotic to our country and was proud to be able to become an American Citizen. "Big John" was the kindest man you can ever meet as he would talk to anyone and swap stories as he genuinely cared about people and their well being. It only took him a few minutes to make someone feel special. Making friends every place he visited, maybe at a restaurant, or while he traveled on his Goldwing with his wife, Phyllis. He was a former member of the Goldwing Touring Association. If you didnt find John talking to someone you may have found him playing in the sand for work, which he enjoyed. He would work on something at home with a chainsaw, his way of a remodeling project. Jean was a religious man and member of the Church of the Epiphany in Cheshire and part of the Saint Declan Society. His faith carried him to be that wonderful man we knew and will miss dearly. The apple in his eye was his little "Alicia" Alyssa, he loved her so much. Jean left his memories with his wife, Phyllis, his daughters, Ann Marie Rodrige of Waterbury, Annette Barrett and her husband Steve of Oakville, his grand-daughter Alyssa Barret, his sisters, Marthe Champagne of MA, Ginette Austin of Beacon Falls, Line Mulcahy of Maine and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by a son John Rodrigue. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to, The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc. 10 Talcott Notch Rd. Suite 100, Farmington, CT 06032. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 22, at 10:00 at the Church of the Epiphany in Cheshire. Friends and family may gather between 8:30 and 9:15 am at Woodtick Memorial, 420 Woodtick Rd. Wolcott. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 5-8 pm at the funeral home.

Service Information Cemetery Calvary Cemetery 2324 East Main Street Waterbury, CT -->