Miguel Antonio Rodriguez-Diaz

Miguel Antonio Rodriguez-Diaz, 85, of New Haven, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024, after a courageous battle with chronic kidney disease. Born on May 8, 1939, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Miguel was the beloved son of Antonio Rodriguez (Papa Tonio) and Honoria Diaz-Rodriguez (Mama Yaya).

Miguel began his educational journey in Cayey, Puerto Rico, where he attended primary school, later completing high school in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Demonstrating an early commitment to learning and service, he pursued higher education at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, earning a bachelor’s degree in social sciences while serving as a police officer at La Fortaleza in San Juan. Driven by a deep passion for advocacy and justice, Miguel continued his academic pursuits, obtaining a master’s degree in bilingual education from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This unwavering dedication culminated in his achievement of a Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., in 1974, marking a pivotal moment in his lifelong mission to champion justice and equality.

Miguel’s legal career was deeply rooted in service to underserved communities. He began as a staff attorney at Legal Aid in Allentown, Pennsylvania, before relocating his family to New Haven, Connecticut, where he continued his work with Legal Aid. He later served as a public defender for the State of Connecticut in New Haven. Driven by his unwavering commitment to justice, Miguel eventually opened his own law practice, The Miguel A. Rodriguez Law Firm in New Haven, CT, dedicating his career to advocating for marginalized populations.

Beyond his legal work, Miguel was a pillar of his community. As a member of the New Haven Board of Education, he made a lasting impact, including his instrumental role in establishing Three Kings’ Day as an observed holiday in 1978—a tradition that remains part of the district’s calendar to this day.

Miguel’s legacy is cherished by his children: Elda (Hans) of Cary, North Carolina, Cesar (Rhonda) of Dover, Delaware, Yolanda (Craig) of Hampton, Georgia, Lourdes (Sal) of New Haven, Connecticut, Nora Cristina (Jordan-Kyle) of Fort Cavazos, Texas and bonus daughter, Whitney (Dwayne) of New Haven, CT; his sister, Tonita of Florida; his 16 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews as well as his long-term caregiver, Vera Gonzalez and her 3 children. He was predeceased by his parents, Antonio and Honoria, his sisters, Emma, Marina, and Miriam, his nephew, Lance, and his great-great-niece, Sophia.

Services will be held at Colonial Funeral Home 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden CT 06514 on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation, two organizations Miguel deeply supported. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.

Miguel’s life was defined by his dedication to justice, his love for family, and his commitment to creating meaningful change in his community. His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.