Roderick P. Cabrera

Roderick “Rod” P. Cabrera, 60, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 in Orange, CA.

He was born on May 3, 1963 in Manila, Philippines and was the eldest son of Dr. Ramon and Cecilia Cabrera.

In January 1964, parents Ramon and Cecilia came to the United States with Rod and lived in Chicago, IL.  He also spent his childhood years living in the suburbs South Holland and Northbrook.  In 1978, the Cabrera family moved to Villa Park, CA and Rod attended Villa Park High School, graduating in 1981.  He attended Fullerton College for two years, and later transferred to California State University Long Beach where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television in 1988.

Rod spent over 30 years working in Loss Prevention for Sportmart, Petrie Retail, Waldenbooks, Bath and Body Works, Petco, Tillys, and then retired in 2023 as Regional Director of Loss Prevention for Total Wine & More.

Even though Rod lived in California longer than he did in Chicago, he was a “die-hard” Chicago Cubs fan, and always rooted for Chicago sports teams (except the White Sox).  He loved Chicago deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs.  Rod was an avid tennis player, played recreational ice hockey on a team with his siblings and nephew, and was a proficient marksman. He enjoyed motorcycles and since 2019, participated in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.

Rod is preceded in death by his father Ramon (“Ching”).  He is survived by his mother Cecilia, brother Rex (Anabelle), sister Rochelle (Dan) McCoy, nephew Patrick Cabrera, and niece Gabrielle (János) Szenohradszki.

He will be missed dearly and will always hold a place in our hearts.  May he rest in peace.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of these organizations, in memory of Rod:

His Breast Cancer Awareness – https://hisbreastcancer.org/donate

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride - https://www.gentlemansride.com/rider/JanosSzenohradszki571580

*Rod’s nephew-in-law, János Szenohradszki, will be riding in the May DGR in honor of Rod.  János will personally match all donations received through his link, plus his employer is offering to match up to $1000 of the personal donations that he will make.

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Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at the Chapel of Orange; Vigil will begin at 6:00pm.  *Parking near the Chapel is mostly restricted to residents, recommended to use the Orange Public Library parking lot (2 minute walk to the Chapel), or any of the available public parking lots.  

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at St. Norbert Catholic Church.

Graveside service/Interment will follow the Mass at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery

Lunch Reception afterwards -  details will be available at the Visitation and at the Funeral Mass.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roderick P. Cabrera, please visit our floral store.