Obituary of Anthony Rodriguez

Anthony Vincent “Tony” Rodriguez passed suddenly at home on Friday, February 28, 2025 in Green Township, NJ. He had shared 64 years of love, laughter, and amazing memories with family and friends.

Born on a brisk day in November in 1960, to the late Louise and Harold Rodriguez, Tony was raised alongside his brother and sister in Jersey City, NJ until the age of 11. His family settled in the Lake Intervale section of Parsippany during his junior high school years. In this community they made everlasting memories and lifelong friendships. It was in Lake Intervale that he also met his true love and life companion, Linda Ann Katzenberger. Tony went on to graduate from Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 1978. The two lovebirds attended Seton Hall University. During his time at Seton Hall, Tony took a year to live in London with his parents. Once he returned to NJ, Tony graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Linda and Tony wed in 1984 and settled into Butler and Stanhope, NJ before finding their forever home in the Lake Tranquility section of Green Township in 1996.

Tony was a hard and dedicated worker, always providing for his family. He had a long, successful career in the luggage industry, retiring as Vice President of Product Development in 2020. Throughout his career he had the opportunity to travel – a lot! Tony made annual trips to China and explored most of the continent of Asia. Along with Linda, they explored the world. Travel was a must, as much as possible. Their favorite spot was Aruba.

He was an amazing cook, armed and ready with recipes that have been passed on for generations. Things like New England clam chowder, potato leek soup, and the family meatball recipe will live on. We will also keep making his own creations, steak sandwiches and salmon with everything but the bagel seasoning. Along with these great meals and more, he looked forward to his vodka “concoction” in the summers and Stella Artois in a chalice or a big glass of Chianti casually.

Tony was extremely active in his community. He was on the board of trustees and past treasurer of Lake Tranquility. He also took part in all of the many activities the lake had to offer; volunteering yearly at the clam bake, 4th of July tube races, swim meets, and more. Tony was outgoing, a natural socializer, and hilarious. He was guaranteed to be the life of every gathering by walking in with a giant “party starter.” His happy place was sitting in his home in front of the big bay window that overlooked the lake. As the photographer of the family, Tony would send us the many gorgeous photos taken of his view on a regular basis. We will miss them, but we will miss him more.

We cannot talk about Tony without talking about SPORTS! He loved all NY teams and had a special place in his heart for Seton Hall Pirates basketball, but he watched football, soccer, and hockey, too. If there wasn’t a game on, the news would suffice. His favorite athletes of all time, were hands down his children. He was an active participant at every game and competition their entire lives. Tony gave so much of himself to everyone, while being the most doting husband, attentive father, thoughtful brother, and dependable friend. We are heartbroken by his passing but we can take solace in the fact that he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Linda, his parents, his brother, Guy, his brothers-in-law, Jack Czeterko and Michael Katzenberger, and his father-in-law, Rudolph “Rudy” Katzenberger.

His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of his adored children, Marie and Kevin Rodriguez and his wife Shannon; his loving sister, Annette Czeterko and her husband John Feczko; his dear mother-in-law, Jane (Wadsten) Katzenberger; his caring siblings-in-law, Carl Katzenberger and his wife Liz Murphy, Denise Katzenberger, Greg Katzenberger, and Rudy Katzenberger and his wife Laura; his precious Aunt “Ole Sue” Katzenberger; his committed caregiver, Samantha Marquez; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and his faithful pup, Nellie.

Relatives and friends are welcome to visit with the family on Friday, March 7 from 4-8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 8 at 10 am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 10 North Pocono Rd, Mountain Lakes, NJ. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City.

In addition to the unforgettable memories held by his family, we invite those who knew Tony to share their favorite stories, memories, or words of tribute on normandean.com. Tony touched the lives of many, and we believe his legacy is best honored through the stories and experiences of all who were fortunate enough to know him; let his light shine bright for eternity. If you would like to honor his memory another way, donations are being accepted to The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation.