Arnold Cruz Rodriguez
Class of 1960

Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) - September 23, 2002

Arnold Cruz Rodriguez, a prominent Hampton Roads architect who donated his talents to area boards and charitable causes, passed away suddenly at his home early Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002.

Mr. Rodriguez, 60, was a native of Chesapeake, but a longtime resident of the Rudee Inlet area of Virginia Beach. He lived in the 500 block of Winston Salem Ave.

Mr. Rodriguez had spent Friday evening enjoying a twilight airshow at Oceana Naval Air Station along with his son, Stephen, and brother, Rod, and their families. The practice airshow was part of the Neptune Festival, which Mr. Rodriguez's brother, Rod, is presiding over this year as festival king.

Mr. Rodriguez is survived by his mother, Margaret W. Rodriguez; his brother, B. Rod Rodriguez and his wife, Cindy; a sister, Nancy Lowder and her husband, J.C.; a son, Stephen C. Rodriguez and his wife, Tammy; and a daughter, Tracie Rodriguez Osborne and her husband, Wayne. He had five grandchildren, Lauren Rodriguez, Cory Rodriguez, McKenzie Osborne, Madison Osborne and Connor Osborne. He also had two nieces, Sharon Lee and Kelly McNicholas, and two nephews, Todd Lowder and Michael Rodriguez. He is also survived by his companion, Dee Latham. Mr. Rodriguez's father, Arnulfo C. Rodriguez, predeceased him.

Mr. Rodriguez was president of the Norfolk based architectural firm Rodriguez, Ripley, Maddox and Motley. The firm also has offices in Roanoke, Va.

Born Dec. 4, 1941, Mr. Rodriguez attended Cradock High School and received his college degree from Old Dominion University. During his architectural career, Mr. Rodriguez designed many military facilities that were built in the Caribbean. In 2000, he received an award from the Pentagon for value engineering projects which enabled the government to save money. He was involved in more than $100 million in projects from Puerto Rico to Curacao, including military housing, special operations centers, and a forward operating center for the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Rodriguez also used his talents to help in the non-profit sector. For the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia, he recently designed a new atrium wing, a project under construction. He was a member of the Old Dominion University alumni board, and a past member of the Virginia Ballet board. He was president of the Oceanway condominium association.

A funeral for Mr. Rodriguez will be held Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. at Bayside Baptist Church, 1920 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach. Interment will follow in Princess Anne Memorial Park. A visitation will be held today from 7 to 9 p.m. at Oman Funeral Home, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake.