Nelson J. Rodrigues 1950-2020

Nelson was born Jan. 11, 1950, in Youngstown, the son of Vasco and Estela Canuto Rodrigues.

He was a 1968 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Nelson moved to Massachusetts, where he spent his career working for the United States Postal Service until he retired. He eventually moved back to Campbell to be close to his family, where he resided until his death.

If you were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Nelson, you were immediately drawn to his infectious personality. He was a happy man who always had a story. He remembered everyone’s name — ot by a nickname he may have given you. Nelson also had a brilliant mind for history. He loved sharing sports trivia and followed all sports — although baseball was his favorite. He could tell you who won every World Series and Super Bowl game dating pretty far back. He loved his music and culture — he could tell you the family tree and knew the relationship lines better than anyone, and music, he loved music, especially traditional rhythms from his native Cape Verde islands.

Nelson will be deeply missed by his brother, Vasco Rodrigues Jr. of Columbus; brother, Antonio Rodrigues (Karen) of Florida; sister, Gina Gibson (Jim) of Akron; brother, Jorge Rodrigues of Akron; his aunt, Alina Canuto; as well as his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and many friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vasco; mother, Estela; and his sister, Maria O. Andrade.

Private family funeral services were held Friday, May 15, 2020, at the Wasko Funeral Home, with the Rev. Kevin Peters officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Foundation in Nelson’s honor.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and send Nelson’s family condolences.

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