Jose M. Rodriguez

Jose M. Rodriguez, (aka Magician Joseph Raven) of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania passed away Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home.

Born on March 23, 1955 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Jose and Graciella Claudio.

Jose is survived by his children: Lourdes Missun and her husband, Alexander; Turey Rodriguez; Mariel Rodriguez; and his ex-wife’s daughter Angelique Horowitz; grandson Jacob Missun; ex wife and dear friend: Stacy Rodriguez; former wives: Jacqueline Rodriguez, and Janice; and many dear friends.

Jose started his career as a Community Service Officer with the NYC Police Department, then pivoted to becoming a NYC Corrections Officer at Rikers Island for 20 years prior to retirement. He was accountable for the care, custody, control and supervision of detainees and staff at the Adolescent Reception and Detention Center. He was very proud of his perfect attendance award for 5 years.  Jose received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from McCann School of Business and Technology later in life.  A testament that you are never too old to learn.

Jose’s passion for magic started at the very early age of 5, and he excelled brilliantly.  He competed in NYC at age 17 and won first place.  He performed at birthday parties, for inmates, and any chance he got. He was a former member of IBM and SAM.  After moving to the Poconos he performed magic and illusion shows at Fernwood, Tamiment and the Pocmont Hotels. He perfected his sleight of hand and was by far the greatest and most impressive I have ever seen.

Upon moving to Poconos his goal was to fulfill his real passion and become a full-time magician. He loved performing and was quite the showman. His quick wit and humor had people laughing all the time.  He became certified as a practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) from the Tad James Co, LLC. In our local community there were negotiations about starting a School of Magic with the YMCA in Foxmoor Village. His career however was cut short, when during a demonstration at the Stroudsburg YMCA went terribly wrong and the trick exploded in his hands. Thus shattering his dream and losing the one thing he cherished the most... use of his hands - to entertain and amaze you, right in front of your eyes.
He lost four fingers, and blasts to both palms.  It was devastating, he struggled with PTSD from the explosion.  He had a difficult journey afterwards and his family and friends supported him as best as they could.

He was a devoted father, loved to cook and clean, enjoyed watching wrestling with his son and occasionally going to matches. Jose was a very spiritual man and appreciated simplicity. His passion for magic was what kept him going.

Private cremation has been entrusted to the Joseph J. Pula Funeral Home, Inc., 23 N 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.

If you’d like to pay respect to the family, a Broken Wand Ceremony will be held Monday, August 24, 2026 at Marita’s Southwestern Grill side room from 6-8pm. Space is limited.

pulafuneralhome.com

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