Douglas Rodriguez: Father Killed in JC Shooting

To suddenly lose a parent to a violent gun battle is an unspeakable tragedy. Yet this is what the family of the recent Jersey City shooting are dealing with. Douglas Rodriguez, a hardworking family man and volunteer at a local church, was senselessly gunned down as he did his job - a job he did every day to support his beautiful wife Maria and their precious young daughter, who is a student in the Harrison Public Schools. We, the Harrison Education Foundation, are in direct contact with the family and 100% of the monies collected will go directly to Maria and her daughter.

Daughter of Slain Jersey City Deli Worker Pays Respects at her Father's Memorial Service

Douglas, an former financial manager from Ecuador, came to the United States to work hard for the American dream, and to give his daughter the opportunity to go to college. He took pride in his work, and took pride in his loving family.  A kind and gentle soul, he reported to his job in a kosher grocery store in Jersey City on Tuesday, December 10th and was gunned down by maniacal cop killers. Despite this tragic unfolding of events, Douglas is being hailed as a hero. After being shot, Douglas - who worked in the store, helped a customer escape after being shot himself, CBS New York reports.

"After being shot, he opened the back door for a customer to be rescued," said Rabbi David Niederman, the executive director of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. "Unfortunately, Douglas died at the footstep of that door". 

At an emotional vigil for the victims on Thursday night, Rodríguez's wife said through tears that she forgives the attackers and thanked those who employed her husband at that kosher market.  "Especially the Jewish community that learned how to love my husband and was there for him and embraced him," she said.

The 49-year-old Rodríguez immigrated to the United States with his wife and daughter from Ecuador, his brother William Rodríguez Barzola told The New York Times.  Unable to find white-collar job in the U.S. due to the language barrier, Rodríguez got a job in the kosher market. "He worked six days a week", according to Mark Schwartz, a regular customer at the store. The NY Times reports. "A good man of principle, of courage,"

Rodríguez's wife told NJ.com in Spanish. "A good son, good husband, good father that does nothing to anyone."

Douglas Rodriguez, devoted husband and father, gunned down while working hard to support his beloved family. (New York Times)

Douglas: "An extraordinary man, kind, hardworking and always willing to serve others", says sister. (CNN)


A devoted father, husband, and friend to all, this page has been created by the Harrison Education Foundation to provide support - housing, education, funeral expenses, etc., for Douglas' family. The hole in the hearts of his family is an immeasurable loss, and your support - especially as the holidays approach, would bring comfort to them as they try to imagine a life without their devoted protector, Douglas.

The Harrison Education Foundation is made up of 100% volunteers, school administrators, and trustees. There are no salaries and 100% of what is collected through this page will go to Douglas’s family - his wife Maria and young daughter. 

ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE RODRIGUEZ FAMILY.

Douglas Rodriguez: Family icon and devoted church volunteer. (NBC)