Johanny Rodriguez

United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Johanny Rodriguez passed away on March 14, 2025, following a service-connected heart attack. 

Rodriguez was born in the Dominican Republic to Fernando and Flora Rodriguez. The youngest of four children, he grew up alongside his siblings—Ramon, Frank, and Evelyn—in a loving, faith-filled home. Raised in Lower Manhattan, Rodriguez began working at the age of nine to help support his family after his mother became a single parent. Family was the cornerstone of his life and remained his greatest priority. Following the passing of his mother in 2019, his loved ones find comfort in knowing that they have been reunited and are watching over the family. 

Driven by a desire for better opportunities, Rodriguez decided to join the military—a path inspired by his best friend, Angel Tejada, and his wife’s brother, Jorge Vargas, who were both longtime Army veterans. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 1998 and later joined the United States Army in September 2003. Serving his country was a profound honor for Rodriguez, and it was during this time that he became a U.S. citizen. He excelled at the highest level, serving distinctly as both a Marine and an Army officer. For Rodriguez, the military was a way to reach his full potential while providing a good life for the family he loved dearly. He carried his service with immense pride. 

Rodriguez was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations throughout his distinguished military career, including the Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one Service Device; Air Force Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and Bronze Numeral 3; Army Service Ribbon; and Overseas Service Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters. 

A natural leader, Rodriguez was known for his dependability, compassion, and unwavering sense of duty. He was deeply respected by all, committed to mentoring his soldiers, and dedicated to ensuring his unit was always ready to serve. He was once deployed to Kuwait for Operation Spartan Shield when General Kotulich asked him to sign on for another tour. His contributions to the mission were so vital that he was asked to continue. Rodriguez went home for a few weeks and asked for his wife, Gisel’s, support if he were to return. She, of course, said yes. The U.S. needed him, and he was honored to answer the call, knowing just how important his work truly was. 

Rodriguez and his wife, Gisel, grew up in the same neighborhood. His family worked at a hardware store in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Gisel’s mother recalls him cutting 3 ½ yards of clear plastic that she used for their dining table. Rodriguez and Gisel were too young to notice each other then. It wasn’t until 1996, when she was 21 years old and he was 24 that they officially met each other. He happened to be at her cousin’s house, who was his best friend, and they started talking. Gisel’s cousin told her that Rodriguez was a good guy and came from a good family. They had a lot in common and shared similar goals in life. When they met, Rodriguez had a 2-year-old son, Jonathan. Gisel couldn’t help falling in love with him when she saw how much he loved and cared for Jonathan and his mother, Flora. His kindness, devotion to his family, and wonderful sense of humor—paired with a laugh that lit up the room—made it easy for Gisel to fall in love with him. 

Married in 2000, Rodriguez and Gisel went on to build a beautiful life together, welcoming three children: Sarai, Carina, and Jarel. Their family always enjoyed getting together for the holidays, and Rodriguez especially loved taking over the BBQ grill to cook for everyone. As much as they loved big family gatherings, they also cherished staying home on New Year’s Eve with just their children. Rodriguez would put YouTube music videos on the TV, and they would dance, eat their traditional grapes, and toast with sparkling cider as the clock struck midnight. 

Beyond Rodriguez’s professional achievements, he will be remembered for his warmth, his devotion to his loved ones, and his remarkable sense of humor. While he seemed tough on the outside, he was incredibly warm and full of love on the inside. The four children he leaves behind will always cherish the endless love and support he gave them. He set a profound example of what it truly means to be a dedicated son, husband, and father, always leading with love and compassion. 

Gisel and their children are deeply grateful for the love and support they have received. They are committed to honoring Rodriguez’s legacy by carrying his name with love, pride, and integrity. Through the values he instilled and the example he set, Rodriguez built a strong foundation for his children, raising them to be compassionate, honorable individuals who will continue to make a positive impact on the world. They will carry his legacy forward in a way that would make him proud. 

United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Johanny Rodriguez is survived by his devoted wife, Gisel; his beloved children, Jonathan, Sarai, Carina, and Jarel; his father, Fernando Rodriguez; his siblings, Ramon, Frank, and Evelyn; his best friend, Angel Tejada; his brother-in-law, Jorge Vargas; and numerous extended family members, cherished friends, fellow service members, and all those whose lives were enriched by knowing him. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Rodriguez family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.