Editor's Note:  David "Rico" Rodriguez  was the owner of Owlsburg tavern, also known earlier as Van's Corner. The tavern was located on the corner of State Route 235 and Old U.S. 30, north of Ada. As announced in the Icon last fall, he had planned to open Cherico's Restaurant in that building.

David S. “Rico” Rodriguez, 47, died on Sunday, May 1, 2016, at his residence in Bluffton. 

He was born on May 2, 1968, in Coldwater, Ohio to Henry and Betty (Henderson) Rodriguez who preceded him in death.  On Oct. 2, 1993, he married Cheryl R. Shasky and she survives in Harrod. 

Rico was self employed. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church of Ada. He founded the Allen East Youth Sports Alliance. 

He is also survived by his two sons: Airek (Carissa) Rodriguez of Celina and Ben Rodriguez of Bluffton; two daughters: Audrey Rodriguez of Bluffton and Alexandria Rodriguez of Bluffton; a granddaughter, Viviene Rodriguez; two brothers: John (Diane) Rodriguez of Celina and Tony (Christine) Rodriguez of St. Marys; and two sisters: Vickey (Larry) Miller of Celina and Tammy (Rocco) Farello of El Segundo, Calif. 

Rico was preceded in death by a brother, Tommy Rodriguez, and a sister, Nancy Rodriguez. 

A mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 300 East Highland Avenue, Ada, with Father David Young officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bluffton. 

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, at the Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada. A Prayer Service will begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, P.O. Box 38, Ada, Ohio 45810 for the benevolence of the family.