[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO JEANNE D'AGOSTINO RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2015

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, today in my home town of Winter Park, Florida, 
we will lay to rest a Central Florida community leader and American 
Patriot, Jeanne D'Agostino Rodriguez.
  It has been my privilege to know Jeanne and her family for more than 
four decades, and it has been my honor to call her my friend. She was a 
Republican stalwart, and a successful businesswoman with an untiring 
record of community service. We shared mutual passions for good 
government, family and faith and an appreciation of our Italian 
heritage.
  The Rodriguez and D'Agostino families have been leading restaurateurs 
in Central Florida, beginning with their restaurant, La Cantina, which 
they sold and created the renowned Villa Nova restaurant which, over 
the years, received numerous culinary awards and was a Winter Park 
landmark.
  Jeanne, who was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, and 
two brothers, was a respected business woman and community activist. In 
Central Florida politics, Jeanne was the Grand Dame of the Republican 
Party. She worked tirelessly to build the GOP in its lean beginning 
years in Florida and served in county and state Republican leadership 
positions. She was an early champion behind successful campaigns of 
Republican leaders including United States Senator Paula Hawkins and 
President Ronald Reagan. Some of Jeanne's many charitable endeavors 
were highlighted by her support for the Morning Star School and Bishop 
Grady Villas.
  Jeanne is survived by her family who she loved so dearly, including 
her children: Mark Rodriguez and wife Kim; John Rodriguez and wife 
Vicki; her sisters, Florence Ross and Anna Belitz Powers; her 
grandchildren: Jordan, Jared, Jenna, Jillian, Rebecca and Elizabeth and 
by her great granddaughter Aylin.
  Most of all, my friend Jeanne Rodriguez was an American Patriot. She 
loved our country and her family and was devoted in her Catholic faith.
  Mr. Speaker, we have lost a great Central Floridian and American. I 
ask you and our colleagues to join me in recognizing Jeanne's memory as 
she is laid to rest today in Palm Cemetery in Winter Park, Florida.

                          ____________________