2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 774
Celebrating the life of Benjamin Rodriguez.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 18, 2025
WHEREAS, Benjamin Rodriguez, an esteemed businessman and contractor, dedicated philanthropist, and beloved member of the Virginia Beach community, died on October 9, 2024; and
WHEREAS, born in Portsmouth and raised in Chesapeake, Benjamin Rod Rodriguez graduated from Cradock High School in Portsmouth before embarking upon a successful career in contracting with Parker-Sparks, Inc., where he rose to the rank of vice president; and
WHEREAS, Rod Rodriguez co-founded his own company, Bay Mechanical, Inc., in 1980 with Dave Sparks and grew the enterprise into one of the leading mechanical contractor businesses in the southeastern United States; and
WHEREAS, as a chairman and chief executive officer of Bay Mechanical, Rod Rodriguez oversaw distinguished projects across the Commonwealth and Mid-Atlantic region, including the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Norfolk Cruise Terminal, and several museums, hospitals, universities, stadiums, and amphitheaters; and
WHEREAS, beyond his construction work, Rod Rodriguez contributed to the growth and development of his community by serving on the board of directors for TowneBank Virginia Beach and as past chairman of their former loan committee, as well as on the boards of SouthTrust Bank and the former Bank of Tidewater; and
WHEREAS, Rod Rodriguez gave abundantly of his time to support various organizations, including serving as chair of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the Virginia Beach Wetlands Board and in an advisory capacity with the Virginia Beach Board of Zoning Appeals, Norfolk State University Board of Visitors, and Virginia Beach Foundation; and
WHEREAS, as a testament to his legacy of service, Rod Rodriguez was inducted into the Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame and had the honor of serving as King Neptune in 2002, in addition to many other distinguished accolades; and
WHEREAS, Rod Rodriguez will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 28 years, Cindy; his children, Kelly, Michelle, and Mike, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Benjamin Rodriguez, a treasured member of the Virginia Beach community whose hard work and dedication made a difference in countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Benjamin Rodriguez as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.