The Town of Cicero honored the memory of Francisco “Paco” Rodriguez who died in injuries suffered during a title bout in November 2009 but whose organs saved several people’s lives.

Rodriguez, a former resident of the Town of Cicero, will be honored along with 27 other organ donors from around the country at the 2012 Rose Bowl Parade on Jan. 2.

Town President Larry Dominick said that the Town of Cicero has many residents who have made contributions to society but the decision by Rodriguez to donate his organs to save the lives of others was the ultimate achievement.

“When we can help save other lives, that is the most important thing we can do,” Dominick said. “We are proud of the achievements of Francisco ‘Paco’ Rodriguez as a championship boxer and multiple Golden Gloves winner and proud that he will be recognized nationally.”

The Town board adopted a resolution congratulating the family and relatives of Rodriguez, who was only 25 when he died. Rodriguez donated his organs through the Gift of Hope program.

“Although his was a short life, Francisco donated so much so that others might live through the Gift of Hope and we are very proud of what he did,” said Town Trustee Dennis Raleigh on behalf of the board.

Rodriguez’s brother Alex attended the board meeting also.

“I want to thank you President Dominick and the Town of Cicero board for honoring my brother’s memory. I hope everyone realizes he did a good thing so that others might live. He was always a giver,” he said.

The resolution, adopted unanimously by the Town board, noted that Rodriguez was a proud resident of the Town of Cicero and a five-time Gold Gloves boxing champion, a member of a ...