Jose Juan Ayala Rodriguez's Obituary
José Juan Ayala Rodríguez (known as “Topo” to his family) born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on May 26, 1970 has passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2021 at 50 years of age in Miami, FL.
Jose is survived by his wife Erica Critzer, by his children: Cody and Emma; his parents Juan J.R. (Cheo) and Nilda; his siblings Nydianne and Juan; his nephews and niece, Ricardo, Brandon and Nydia-Ann; his brother-in-law Ricardo, and by his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
José lived in Central Florida and attended Bear Lake Elementary, Teague Middle School and Lake Brantley High School until 1986. He graduated from Academia Menonita in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1990. José proudly served in the US Army for 5 years. He then became a certified arborist, profession which he loved until his last breath. His passion for his beliefs and the love for his friends and family will be missed.
José was a devoted husband,father, son, brother, and friend. His little daughter Emma, who is 2 years old, could not have asked for a better Daddy who she would play dress up with all the time. José was a selfless soul who would give you the shirt off his back if he had to, as attested by his family, many friends, and colleagues. He loved to make you laugh and put a smile on your face.
His wake will be February 2nd from 1pm-6pm with a memorial service at 4:30pm at Van Orsdel Funeral Chapels 11220 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33176. We will be sharing a web link for a memorial service for everyone who is not able to physically be with us (we will provide a link later).
Funeral services will be February 3rd at 12:15pm at The South Florida National Cemetery. The address is: 6501 FL-7, Lake Worth, FL 33449. You are welcome to meet us there. The hearse will be departing from the funeral home to the cemetery at 10:15am.
What’s your fondest memory of Jose?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jose?
Share a story where Jose's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jose you’ll never forget.
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