Long-time IAVM member Frank Rodriguez, who opened the Wheeling Civic Center in 1976, passed away on March 13. He was 93.
“Frank was a long-time member of the Association and served two years on the IAAM board in the late 70’s or early 80’s as well as being a leader in District 2,” said John Robertson, who retired in October 2019 after a 41-year career with the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center (formerly Wheeling Civic Center). “He attended all District and annual meetings for years. He cherished his many friends in the industry and was well known.
“Frank became my assistant manager in Charleston in 1985 after service at the Raleigh County Armory (WV), Wheeling Civic Center, and Corpus Christi Arena. He retired from our facility in 2001. Frank was an All-State basketball player and the captain of the West Virginia University basketball team. He was a veteran and served in the Korean conflict and was activated during the Berlin crisis as well as service for years in the West Virginia Army National Guard.
“His experience contributed greatly to our success at the Charleston Civic Center and to me personally. Frank was a loyal friend to all that knew him.”
Born in Blue Jay, West Virginia, Frank was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and in addition to 
being on the All-Tournament Team in Basketball of 1946 was noted as one of the school’s All-Time Greatest Performers. He would go on to West Virginia University and earned a B.S. in Education while being co-captain of the basketball team.
Frank served in the United States Army for four years after graduation before heading to Korea and serving in that war. True to his love, he played on the All-Army basketball team.
Frank was hired by the City of Wheeling in December 1972 to not only be the new and first-ever Wheeling Civic Center manager but also took on the position of recreation director, where he was instrumental in adding counselors every summer to all the playgrounds throughout the city.
He opened the new venue in 1976 and went on to serve the community with honor, dedication, and fairness until December 1984, when he took a position in Corpus Christi, Texas, before returning to Charleston on year later and served the city before retiring in January 2001.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, 600 River Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or Make-a-Wish America, 1702 East Highland Avenue, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.
