Wade Rodriguez, age 64, of the Boston/Trinidad and Tobago/Twelve Tribe, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

Wade Rodriguez, affectionately known as Imo and Reuben, was born April 15, 1957, in Port of Spain, Trinidad, to the late Lucille Rodriguez and Ainsley Peters. Wade’s young life of education began at Bossiere Village R. C. Primary School in Maraval. In 1970, Wade (Imo/Reuben) studied at T & Tech Training School in Port of Spain. In 1971, Wade’s natural gifts took form and were sharpened through his training as a skilled craftsman and painter while attending the prestigious John S. Donaldson Technical Institute in Port of Spain.

One of the major parts of Wade (Imo Rueben)’s Christian Life was reading the Bible with his grandmother, Luceta Clarke.  Grandmother Clark was truly devoted and provided the foundation of LOVE for all her grandchildren.  Imo/Reuben fondly recalled “cloaking up” with Grandmother Clark’s duster, and crawl up under her when during rainstorms. The teaching of all and everything of household skills was provided.  In the kitchen, Wade (Imo/Reuben) was known for cooking all types of foods, but his favorite was cooking split pea/lentils as his grandmother taught him.

In 1970, Wade (Imo/Ruben) was a founding member of the Twelve Tribes of Isreal Trinidad (TTIT). In 1983, after relocating from Trinidad and settling in Boston, Massachusetts, Wade continued to serve his entire adult life as Twelve Tribes of Isreal member in New York and Boston. He was a man of God, and was very strict when it came to his religion and his Bible.  He took the time to listen to anyone and to give advice freely.  Wade ( Imo/Reuben)  recited  the Ethiopian Prayer every day, along with reading A Chapter A Day of the Bible. Wade (Imo/Reuben) was known to seat on the bench every Sunday with eleven brethren which represents the 12 months and one sistren represents Diana. Everything goes through all of them on how to run the house and any problems, and Wade (Imo/Reuben) was always looked to for answers and solutions.

“Reuben first in Trinidad on the bench with his Reuben eyes which he represents and love the birth stone of pure divine love, peace and not war.  Therefore, the true character and attributes always of  love to share knowledge and sing especially “I” have a comforter up in Zion.”

The words of the Trinity was his true foundation and he served as faithful servant of Jah.  Wade (Imo/Reuben) was the known as the drummer and would help with the art work for making the poster for any dance.

Wade (Imo/Reuben) enjoyed “The Life of the Carnival,” and he surely ran hard as one of the “trini to the bone” biggest “reveler” while partying at Panorama, Kings and Queens Costume, Dimanche Gras, J’Ouvert, Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Mas, Calypso, Soca, Fetes, Extempo, Chutney, and Brass.  Being truly musically gifted, Wade immersed into learning “steel panning,” and “hitting the iron while it was hot” in the rhythm section. During this percussion musical journey, Wade (Imo/Reuben) discovered his real LOVE was playing the full drum kit. The “Master Drummer Imo” shared his unique and talented precise play-time skills for the rest of band to use words such as “dynamic,” “vibe,” “energy,” “feel,” and “groove” while playing Pan Steel or Reggae.  Imo was the “backbone and foundation” of the band. Some of the Steel Bands and Rhythm Sections and Reggae bands were Catelli All Stars (Trinidad), Branches (Boston), Silver Stars (Boston), Mystic Vibe (Boston), Volume 2 (Boston), Soca Boys and Girls (Boston), Third World (Boston), Metro Steel Orchestra (Boston), Dis-Dat (Boston) and Shashamani (Boston). Wade (Imo/Reuben) would travel to all the Carnival Cities, but he most enjoyed “chipping” with Desperadoes Steel Band (New York).

It’s all about Wade’s other gift from God that ALWAYS provided work for him.  Those powerful “double jointed fingers” and “left handed” clearly was Blessed as “Artisan” called by God, in Exodus 35:30-35.  Wade (Imo/Reuben) was a gifted master craftsman of “painting.”  The quickness and precision appointed a special skill given to him by God. He was never a lazy man. He was always working, no matter how big or small the task at hand.  

Imo/Rueben enjoyed spending time with those closest to him, and wherever his home was, there was always a warm haven for many. He was a true artist who was a skilled at drumming, steel band panning, music and traveling, and enjoyed being outdoors with his families (Trinidad, Boston, Springfield, New York and Atlanta). He will be remembered as the loving first husband of Marilyn Taylor, devoted companion/partner of Stephanie Maddox, loving husband of Nancy Smith, devoted proud father to his children, and a faithful man of Jah/God.

Imo/Reuben personified the best humanity. He was a man of order who operated in humility and servanthood. He left a legacy as a man of character and honor, a man of peace, a man of many words and filled with wisdom. He personified a devoted strength of the Lion of Judah that will forever be remembered.

Imo/Reuben was predeceased by his grandmother Luceta Clarke, his parents Anisley Peters and Lucille Rodriguez, siblings twin brother Wendell, Gerald, Gail, and twins Ronald and Rhonda.  He is survived by his children Tasha Monsegue (Trinidad), Shashamani and Imani Rodriguez (Springfield) and his siblings, Beverly Clement, Charmaine Rodriguez and Stephen Rodriguez, and brother-in-law Anthony Clement, goddaughter Angie Alleyne, godson Issac Blackman, and loving nieces and nephews and other loving relatives and friends.

The evening viewing, family and friends are invited to attend at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Friday June 4, 2021, from 6 PM – 8 PM.

The final viewing and Service will be celebrated at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Saturday June 5, 2021, from 10 AM- 12 NOON

The Repast will be at the Unity Sports Club and Social Club, 10 Dunbar Avenue, DORCHESTER, Saturday June 5, 2021 from 1 PM – 7 PM.  

In lieu of flowers, we are asking that you make love offering to Wade (Imo/Rueben) Rodriguez’s Trust for his children. Please contact Nancy Smith-Rodriguez at 617.686.0350 and nbsmith8175@gmail.comcreate new email for the details.

At the request of the family Masks will be required to enter the funeral home.