Jose Antonio Rodriguez Zavaleta

Jose Antonio Rodriguez Zavaleta, (70), of Lakeland, Florida, was reunited with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

Jose, fondly known as Jun, was born to Jose and Santiaga Rodriguez on April 12, 1953, in Dorado, Puerto Rico. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Jun moved to New York in 1969 with his father to pursue new work opportunities. Over the next few years, he worked tirelessly to help move his mother and eight siblings to the United States so the family could reunite. In 1974, Jun met the love of his life, Ana I. Otero, and together they had four sons. Jun was a talented carpenter and spent most of his working years using his hands to create garments, fabricate marble and frame buildings for residential construction. Jun had many hobbies which included golf, bowling, softball, dancing and playing dominos.

Above all else, Jun was most passionate about the love he so freely gave to every person he encountered. No matter who it was, if help was needed, Jun was the first to extend a helping hand. He was always present for his wife, children, and grandchildren, whether it was helping with home projects, attending recitals and sports practices, or playing the guiro (a Puerto Rican musical instrument) to make family birthday celebrations more festive and fun. He exemplified Jesus’ call in Mark 12:30-31 to love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.

Jun is survived by his loving wife, Ana and his four sons Tony (Amanda), Danny (Laura), Denny (Amanda) and Kristian; eight grandchildren, Deandre, Isaac, Jayden, Madelyn, Lillian, Maddox, Penelope, William; siblings, Carmen, Robert, David, Naomi, Gladys, and Jorge along with many nieces and nephews.

Jun was proceeded in death by his mother and father, Jose & Santiaga Rodriguez; sister, Amparo; brother, Orlando, and grandson, Dushay.

Jun’s family will host a visitation on Monday, February 5, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801, and a celebration of life on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801.