Obituaries

Condolences

• March 07, 2025

  Sue Barthel

  It's been many years since I worked with Ben at UW-Madison. To this day, I remember the positive energy, creativity, vision, and concern for others that he brought with him where ever he went...along with a little mischief and a twinkle in his eye as well! Condolences to his family and his vast network of students, friends, and colleagues. The world is a better place having had Ben in it.

• March 07, 2025

  Doug Bradley

  I first encountered Ben on the b-ball courts over the noon hour at the old SERF. He was the consummate team player and set many an impregnable screen for a ceaseless jump shooter like myself. On and off the court, Ben always had a smile, and a kind word, for everyone he met. After we stopped playing basketball, Ben and I would check in on one another, as both of us moved hither and yon within the UW, always seeking a new challenge and opportunity. He enlisted me as a mentor when he started that important program and as an ally when he was helping jump start the Spoken Word initiative. Always, ALWAYS, thinking of the value of what he was doing to/for someone else, never for himself. But our strongest connection was as fathers. We spoke often about parenting and our children. We shared an absolute love of being dads! Surprisingly, Ben and I never socialized off campus, except for one-time when we went together to watch Tony play baseball at West High. And so, my dear friend, my brother, my UW colleague, my fellow father, rest easy. Know that you gave us all a lot more than we gave back. But that's no doubt how you wanted it. - Doug Bradley

• March 07, 2025

  Ana Aquino

  Ben was an amazing financial and school advisor when I was a student at UW-Madison. He listened well and his capacity to help and empathise was being measure. Rest in Peace Ben! Ana

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  March 05, 2025

  Freddie Lopez

  My mom and I felt incredibly fortunate to have reconnected with Ben in Madison, and I will always treasure the warm, sincere welcome he shared, making us feel genuinely cherished and appreciated. Ben's remarkable talent for nurturing meaningful relationships left a lasting impression on my mom, and their extraordinary bond was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love, compassion, and community. Whenever your parents traveled from Champagne to Chicago, Ben would stay with us, and we would create truly unforgettable memories filled with unbridled joy, laughter, and a deep sense of connection and belonging. Ben, Rest in Power Freddie & Bryan

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  March 05, 2025

  M. Thornton

  Ben and I worked together at UW-Madison, both in our own way using our own experiences to make the campus a welcoming place for students who felt left out of the mainstream of campus life. Ben lived and breathed this effort, always a beacon of hope and insight about how to succeed there. He has a big heart and always had time for others. I consider him one of the best humans I have had the privilege to have known. I will endeavor to keep him and his life alive by sharing his memory with others I meet. In that way he will never really die. Michael Thornton

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  March 04, 2025

  James Parkinson

  Ben and I were lifelong friends for over 60 years. We cut out teeth and came of age together on the 'wrong side of the tracks' in the inner-city streets of Chicago back in the 1960's. We were both immigrants from farming backgrounds in our respective countries, he from Puerto Rico and I was from Ireland. We had so much in common and helped each other grow during our formative years. In short, we were both strangers trying to find our way in a strange land. On the many visits to Ben's house, I would listen to his mother as she spoke her native language Spanish and cook 'Platanos Fritos' for Ben and I to enjoy. I was inspired by her to learn Spanish which has served me very well in my career as I look after Spanish fishing vessels landing their catches here on the West coast of Ireland. Ben and I went to school together in Quigley, Niles, Mundelein and Northern Illinois University. I eventually returned to Ireland and went fishing, and Ben stayed in the University system in the United States. His life took on an altruistic direction as he went on to serve his Puerto Rican community and other migrants with dedication and love as only Ben could. Our friendship continued over the years, and we met up both in Ireland, and on my visits to the USA. Ben never failed to show up to meet and spend time together and we enjoyed reminiscing on our shared youth. On my last visit in November 2023, we went to visit Mundelein together to retrace some memories from our journey all those years ago. I am very grateful to have shared this experience on what would be our last time together. It was very special. Ben was planning to come to visit with me and my partner Eimear in Ireland again this Spring. Now we must settle for a portion of his ashes if that works out. I will gladly spread them over the Atlantic Ocean which is beside us here in Killybegs, Donegal, Ireland and which flowed between us for all these years. Ben had a heart that was bigger than the Atlantic Ocean. Ben, I miss you very much. Paz tu amigo. Jaime Parkinson and Eimear

• March 01, 2025

  Douglas Richardson

  RIP Ben Rodriguez 🥀 Ben altered my life for the better ~1993 I had been kicked out of the UW for grades too much partying! I worked full time at the Regent Food Market where Ben was a daily customer he saw how hard I was working I told him my sad story he offered to help me re-apply and get accepted back I now have a BA in History '96 and have spent ~30 years as a successful supply chain and purchasing consultant and ~40 years renovating houses and working on landscapes. Ben showed up and stood up for me when I needed someone of his stature to do so!! I will never forget Ben Rodriguez he was a good man that changed my life for the better! Best wishes to be family and friends Ben definitely was a good soul ...

• February 28, 2025

  Kay Cipperly

  Ben worked with my husband, Jack Cipperly, at the UW. They were both in positions of aiding students to perform at their best while dealing with difficulties of being young and finding their way. Ben was a wonderful asset at the UW to countless students who will long remember him .

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  February 27, 2025

  Kahlil Figueroa

  I was a student in madison and at a low point in my life he counseled me and said: "everything is going to be all right". His voice had something in it that made me believe him. As a teacher, i now try to give the same comfort to my students if they need it. I will never forget his words and am grateful i had the opportunity to know him. Kahlil Figueroa

• February 27, 2025

  Consuelo Lopez

  I've been was one of the kindest men ever. He helped everyone with a strong sense of spirituality. We will miss him dearly. Consuelo Lopez