Adam Michael Rodriguez, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2024 at the age of 44.

Adam is survived by his mother Karen (Mansfield) Rodriguez; his wife, Kathryn (Ray) Rodriguez; his children, Lucianna and Benjamin Rodriguez; his brother Alexander (Suzanne) Rodriguez Jr., nieces Emily, Elizabeth, Meredith, and nephews Alexander III, William, Lucas, and Parker, and a multitude of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Alexander Mauro Rodriguez, Sr., grandparents Julian and Elvira Rodriguez, grandparents Robert and Louise Mansfield, and several treasured aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Adam was born in Toledo, Ohio on April 14, 1980 to Alexander and Karen Rodriguez. He attended St Mary's Catholic School, and later Woodward and Start High Schools, eventually graduating in 1998. He then attended Tiffin University, where he received an athletic scholarship to play basketball. He received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Toledo in May 2005, which allowed him to work unselfishly in the Mental Health field for almost 20 years. On June 1, 2007, he married his wife of 17 years, Katie, in Toledo, Ohio. On March 16, 2009 and April 29. 2013 respectively, they welcomed their amazing children, Lucy and Benny, who were the most important part of his life.

While his children were the light of his life, his love and passion was always basketball. Adam was a standout player in his youth growing up in Toledo. His amazing skill set created wonderful relationships and opportunities, such as a trip to Europe to play against other basketball players from around the United States. He would often meet friends at the local YMCA's for pick-up games several times a week, and legend has it he once hit 23 3-pointers in one game. He was a student of the game while he played, and his amazing understanding of the x's and o's led to coaching. He began his coaching career in the late 90's coaching a travel AAU team with his brother Alex and cousin Rick. Between 2000 – 2012, he was an integral part of the Toledo City basketball community, coaching at Bowsher High School (2000-2001), Rogers High School (2001-2007), Start High School (2008-2010), and Whitmer High School (2010-2012). He finally earned his chance as a Varsity basketball coach at Waite High School, where he coached from 2012-2018. He received the Toledo City League Coach of the Year in 2017. While he understood winning and losing was a big part of the game, what he loved the most was being a positive role model and positive male influence on the young men he coached, teaching more than just the game of basketball. If you were lucky enough to play for him, your love and understanding for the game grew during your career. He would talk fondly of the players he coached as well, proud of the men they became. Some are police officers, teachers, fire fighters, lawyers, and many became coaches themselves.

Since 2018, he has focused on helping his own children reach their potential in all their endeavors. He was very proud of the students and athletes that Lucy and Benny have become.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, December 15th from 4pm-7pm, with a service the following day at 10:00am, Monday December 16th, 2024 at Castillo Funeral Home, 1757 Tremainsville Rd. Toledo, Ohio 43613. Internment will be at Calvary Cemetery, 2224 Dorr St, Toledo, Ohio 43607 immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Greater Toledo at https://namitoledo.org/ or the Thomas M. Werners Center for Mental Health Recovery & Support https://www.wernertcenter.org/about-mental-health-recovery-center

"A good coach can change a game. A GREAT coach can change a life." – John Wooden