Fernando "Nelson" Rodrigues

Fernando Nelson Rodrigues, 83, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, due to health complications from Alzheimer's Disease.

Nelson was born on September 4, 1942, in Machico, Madeira Island, Portugal. His family moved to the United States in April 1949, where he became a U.S. Naturalized Citizen.

Nelson grew up in Provincetown, MA, and graduated with honors from Provincetown High School in 1962. He attended Lowell Technological Institute, now called UMass Lowell, where he earned a B.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering in 1966. He became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in 1966 and earned an M.S. degree in Astronautics from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in 1968, where he specialized in spacecraft nuclear propulsion techniques.

Nelson served for 20 years as a space systems expert on various USAF spacecraft, satellites, propulsion systems, and launch vehicles. His duty stations included Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, Moffet Field, CA, Vandenberg AFB, CA, Peterson AFB, CO, Woomera, South Australia, and his final assignment at Kirtland AFB, NM. Nelson worked on Theater Missile Defense (TMD) programs as a government contractor after retiring from the Air Force. His life-long passion for rockets, Space Systems and Space Travel knew no limits. His favorite USAF assignments included Space Shuttle Systems Manager for the USAF Space Shuttle Program, Launch Engineer for the Titan IIIC Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL), and Launch Engineer for the Titan IIID rocket.

Nelson's other passions included keeping up with the evolution of civilian and military U.S. Space Programs, music, reading, running, hiking, camping, and community service. He was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, his family, and he had an uncompromising love and appreciation for the United States of America. Finally, New Mexico was his Land of Enchantment.

Nelson is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nora (Medley) Rodrigues of Albuquerque, NM, his sons, Mark and Judy Rodrigues of Broken Arrow, OK, Matthew and Sylvia Rodrigues of Clarksville, TN, Michael and Tamara Rodrigues of Sykesville, MD, stepsons, David and Faith Stabley of Albuquerque, NM, Donald and Jamie Stabley of Phoenix, AZ, brother, Elvio and Judy Rodrigues of South Yarmouth, MA, sister, Guida Rodrigues of South Yarmouth, MA, nephew, Ross and Saskia Rodrigues of Miami, FL, and eight grandchildren. Nelson had a warm smile, great laugh, and a compassionate heart. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Services will be March 19, 2026, at Annunciation Church, 2621 Vermont St. NE. Rosary at 8:00 a.m. followed by a Mass at 8:30 a.m. Interment at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Casa Angelica, the Alzheimer's Association, or Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.