– Orlando Rodriguez, Proponent of Restorative Justice and Peace Activism, Dies at 81
– Orlando Rodriguez, Advocate for Restorative Justice and Peace, Passes Away at 81.

Renowned Sociologist Orlando Rodriguez Passes Away at 81

Orlando Rodriguez, a highly respected professor emeritus of sociology at Fordham University, has sadly passed away at the age of 81. He died on January 4 in a nursing home in White Plains, New York, after battling Parkinson’s disease.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 22, 1942, in Havana, Cuba, Orlando Rodriguez and his parents, Marta Iglesias and Jesus Rodriguez, immigrated to New York City in 1955 when he was just 13 years old. He attended Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn and later went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the City University of New York in 1965.

In 1974, Rodriguez completed his doctorate in sociology at Columbia University. He began his teaching career at Brooklyn College before working as a researcher at the Vera Institute of Justice in Brooklyn, where he focused on criminal justice reform and the reintegration of released prisoners into society.

A Life Dedicated to Teaching

Rodriguez’s most significant contributions were made during his time at Fordham University, where he taught for three decades. He served as a senior research associate at Fordham’s Hispanic Research Center and later became the center’s director. He was also a professor in the university’s department of sociology and anthropology, where he played a vital role in establishing the Peace and Justice Studies minor program.

Known for his commitment to restorative justice and his advocacy for a system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, Rodriguez made a lasting impact on the field of criminal justice and sociology.

A Compassionate and Supportive Colleague

Colleagues remember Rodriguez as a compassionate and supportive professor who cared deeply about the well-being of his colleagues and students. He fostered a sense of community within the sociology department at Fordham and encouraged his colleagues to see each other as human beings, not just colleagues.

Professor Jeanne Flavin, who worked alongside Rodriguez, recalls his selflessness on September 11, 2001, when Rodriguez’s son was in the World Trade Center. Despite his own personal tragedy, Rodriguez showed concern for others’ well-being, exemplifying his dedication to helping others.