Rogelio “Coque” Rodriguez was called to God’s glory on Sunday, December 9th, 2018 in Laredo, Texas at the age of 68.
He loved life and for the past 8 years fought very hard to preserve it despite the many health challenges he faced.
Coque who was a wonderful father, grandfather, devoted husband, brother, uncle, and friend had great love and devotion for his family, and the greatest joy in his last years of life were his grandchildren who will miss “Grandpa” dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents Servando and Maria Rodriguez, sisters, Ernestina (Ernesto +) Flores, Angelina Rodriguez, Maria (Antonio +) Arredondo, Evangelina (Cipriano +) Rodriguez, Elida (Enrique +) Campos, Rita (Jose +) Oritz, San Juanita Rodriguez, and grandson Juan Adrian Gutierrez.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 46 years of marriage, Catherine Rodriguez, children Juan Andres Rodriguez, Rogelio (Maricela) Rodriguez, Clarissa (Juan) Gutierrez; grandchildren, Leonel, Katelyn, Tristan, and Johnathan James; siblings Alicia (Bob +) Gamez, Servando (Gloria) Rodriguez, Juan Jose (Alicia) Rodriguez, Theodora (Everardo) Garcia, Noemi (Alfredo) Soto, Norma (Tomas +) Lobo and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and dear friends.
From a young age he was very active in organizations that championed civil rights for the Hispanic community. Having been raised in a migrant family himself, he actively worked and was involved in the Mexican American Student Organization, San Luis Rey Neighborhood Council (Concilios), Colorado Migrant Council, Texas Migrant Council, La Raza Unida Party, Project SER, United Farm workers Union, Cesar Chavez Memorial Marches, Laredo Federation of Teachers #3465 AFL-CIO, La Familia Softball Team, City of Laredo Planning and Zoning Advisory Board, City of Laredo Airport Advisory Board, City of Laredo Environmental Community, and a Democratic Party Activist, Local City and County Elections. Known affectionately as “Coach” he provided guidance and care to countless students for 32 years as a Elementary Physical Education teacher with the Laredo Independent School District.
An avid Dallas Cowboy fan, he never missed a game, even until his last day of life. He always enjoyed his yearly trips with his buddies to the Las Vegas World Series of Poker. In these last years of life, he enjoyed a special relationship with his card-playing pals, and really looked forward to meeting with them every day.
The Rodriguez family wishes to express their gratitude for the care provided to our loved one by the following, Dr. C. Llanes, Dr. E. Garcia, Dr. F. Sanchez, Dr. C. Espinoza, Dr. A. Santos, U.S. Renal Care, Prestige EMS, and Complete Care Home Health.
The family will receive guests on Thursday, December 13, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services. A holy rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 14, 2018, at San Luis Rey Catholic Church. A funeral mass will start at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr. Laredo, Texas (956)723-3611. You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com