Eugene Rodrequez

Oakdale - Eugene Rodrequez, 96, of Oakdale, entered eternal life May 24, 2025. He was born June 27, 1928, in Phoenix, Ariz., the son of the late Maria Rodrequez.

He served as a proud U.S. Marine in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, serving in the Elite Force Recon executing reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Mr. Rodrequez retired as a 1st Sgt. of U.S. Marine Corps, a drill sergeant at Camp Lejeune, retiring after 22 years. He was a champion boxer while in the Marine Corps Lightweight Division, winning titles in 1953 and 1957.

He later worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections, retiring in 1995 as a captain. When he was 67, he set a world record in the 60-69 age group division, dead-lifting a record lift of 340 pounds at the American Powerlifting Association. He also won numerous judo competitions and enjoyed golfing and traveling with Cecelia and their many friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Cecelia (Murphy) Rodrequez; his children: Christina Rodrequez-Hamlin of Groton, Valeria Sullivan-Rodrequez of Salem, Tina Vukovic of California, and Mickey Gillette of Uncasville; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren and his loyal dog, Gunny Sgt. 

Family and friends may attend at 10 a.m. Friday, June 6, a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of the Lakes Church, 752 Norwich-Salem Turnpike, Oakdale, followed by military honors. Interment services are private. The Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London has been entrusted with his care.

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