[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E568] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A TRIBUTE TO ROBERT RODRIGUEZ ______ HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 6, 2005 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Robert Rodriguez who is being honored at the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as ``Mortgage Broker of the Year.'' Robert is a successful mortgage broker who was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. His father, Higinio Rodriguez, was working for the Brooklyn Navy Yard many years ago when he sent for his wife, Rafaela Santos-Rodriguez and family, including a very young Robert who was three years old. Robert attended Brooklyn College, majored in psychology and later obtained his real estate mortgage and insurance broker's licenses. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and received an Honorable Discharge. Among many enterprises, he opened up Sunset Park Real Estate in 1980. It became a very successful and inspirational real estate firm in an up and coming neighborhood. In 1987, he became a founding member and President of the Fifth Avenue Merchants Association in 1987. Later, he was instrumental in converting that association to The Business Improvement District of Sunset Park. During this period, he became (and continues to be) a member of The Bay Ridge Board of Realtor and a member of the New York Association of Mortgage Brokers. Presently, he is President and sole owner of Dinero Mortgage & Funding Corp. located in Sunset Park. By helping people obtain a mortgage, Robert has personally helped many minorities in accomplishing their dreams of obtaining a home for themselves and their loved ones. Robert is married to Julie Cardinale Rodriguez, a Loan Officer for Countrywide Mortgage. He has three children, Lisa, Robert Jr. and Shelly along with seven grandchildren. Robert is a wonderful example of how hard work and perseverance can lead to success. May this award inspire and encourage him to continue the important work he has already begun. Mr. Speaker, Robert Rodriguez has been a leader in his community by building a successful business and helping his fellow community members realize their dream of homeownership. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and the award of Mortgage Broker of the Year. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person. ____________________