RODRIGUEZ ARIAS, FELIX IVAN. Caring father and husband passed away on Friday, June 18th 2021 surrounded in love by his closest family. Born on March 29th, 1959, in San Pedro de Macorís, Domincan Republic, to mother Adela and father Felix--the youngest of siblings Orisis, Dorka, and Gamaliel. Felix lived his early years in Dominican Republic, then traveled with his family to Puerto Rico at around ten years old. In Puerto Rico he graduated as an excellent student in 1978 from Albert Einstein High School, and later joined the United States Air Force in 1979. Felix was stationed in many countries--notably in Panama where he met and married his wife, Silka. Together they raised two children in the United States, and eventually settled in Orlando, Florida, after Felix retired as a decorated Master Sergeant from the Air Force in March of 2001.

Felix was extremely kind, gentle, and intelligent. His happiness was contagious. He was an engaging storyteller, and met every challenge throughout his entire life with a fervent determination that he learned from his mother. While enlisted in the United States Air Force, Felix began his studies at the University of Maryland in 1982 while stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while stationed in Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. Felix received an assignment to educate at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy as an Instructor of Aircraft Electrical Systems from 1986 to 1996, where he initiated his teaching career. In Orlando, Felix earned his Teacher Certification in mathematics from the University of Central Florida--fulfilling a dream he held since he was a small child. He later worked twenty proud years at Orange County Public Schools, where he impacted the lives of many teaching mathematics at Westridge Middle School and Roberto Clemente Middle School, and tutoring students whenever he could. Felix was a hardworking gardener, his home is still filled with an assortment of nurturing and therapeutic fruits and vegetables to share. He was always there for anyone and everyone who needed him. Felix set a positive example for many and his legacy will live on through all of the lives he touched.

Felix is survived by his wife Silka E. Rodriguez Lombardo, and two children: Diana F. Rodriguez, and Felix A. Rodriguez. Funeral Services will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, North Mims, FL, on a date yet to be determined.

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