Santiago C. Rodriguez

Santiago was born in Raymondville, Texas on September 7, 1924, to the late Gaspar and Luciana Rodriguez. He was the oldest of 8 boys and 1 girl. As a child, his family moved to Nuevo Leon, MX. A young Santiago left his family to travel the United States until he found his home in AZ in 1967.

This may not be Santiago's first obituary. When he left his home to travel all across the U.S. he lost contact with his family. Believing he was dead they buried him back home in Texas, only later to be surprised that he was not only alive but thriving.

A bachelor well into his 50's, he met and fell in love with his soulmate Carla Rodriguez with eight crazy kids, who loved him dearly then later adopting another 3 kids. Not one person could tell that any of his children were not his own flesh and blood. Carla stole his heart and they were married on May 30, 1972. He was not only the best husband but the best father anyone could have prayed for. In 1976 he created his own little Santiago Jr, the continuation of his legacy. Jimmy and Carla recently celebrated 50 years of marriage just earlier this year. When Jimmy first met Carla, his friends use to say it would never work, with her and all those kids and that they gave it only 3 months. These two showed the world what true love could do being together for a total of 53 years.

Santiago worked as a bartender when he first met his love Carla then moved from that job to work at the Rose Farm for over 20 years. He had to move to part-time at the nursery after his first heart attack at 67 years old. And around 70 years old he retired. After he retired, he volunteered at Camino Al Cielo Church, helping in the church learning center where all the children called him Grandpa. He also volunteered in the Senior Center. After several years of volunteering, he decided to focus on the joys of being with his family, playing his guitar, and watching horses and bull videos on YouTube. He also just loved sitting outside, on his swing.

He and Carla were the neighborhood’s Grandparents. He would help the kids in whatever way he could well into their adulthood. He believed in the goodness of people. He and Carla would feed people, even criminals that other people would look down upon. Although sometimes getting a bad ending, he never stopped helping people even through his final days. Santiago was one of a kind and is sorely missed. All who knew him could not have been more blessed than to have known him as we did. We love you and may you rest in peace.

A viewing for Santiago will be held Monday, September 12, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 West Northern Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, followed by a funeral services at 1:00 PM.

Santiago will be laid to rest in Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 West Northern Avenue, Glendale, Arizona.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westresthavenfuneralhome.com for the Rodriguez family.