Apolinar "Polo" Rodriguez Lopez

Apolinar "Polo" Rodriguez Lopez, age 78, passed away peacefully at home with family on Sunday, April 26, 2020. He was born Monday, May 5, 1941 in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas to Leopoldo Rodriguez and San Juana Lopez. He married Esther Arreola on Friday July 21, 1961. They were married 58 years and had 7 children. Polo was a construction worker and built houses for Fox and Jacob's. He worked for more than 25 years until retired.

In death, he is joining his daughter and angel in heaven, Maria Del Carmen Rodriguez, and parents Leopoldo Rodriguez and San Juana Lopez.

Polo is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Maria Esther Rodriguez, by his 6 children and 2 grandchildren he raised since birth: Apolinar Rodriguez Jr., San Juana Rodriguez, Sandra Elvira Rodriguez, Ricardo Rodriguez, Rosaura Martinez Silva, Norma Esther Rodriguez Campos, Homar Jaime Gracia, Mary Esther De La Vega-Rodriguez, and by 31 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

What can I say about the world's greatest father and grandfather?

Polo was a self made man, who owned and operated many businesses. In his spare time he enjoyed puzzles, Mexican short stories and Western movies, and he loved music and dancing. He was a passionate man, enjoyed anything automotive and mechanically, he enjoyed fixing cars and many other things.

His family and friends will always remember him as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was extremely proud of all his children and grandchildren, whom he loved deeply.

He was honorable, he was kind, he was more than fair, he was sweet, charismatic and gentle, and he was loving and generous. He never turned his back on anyone in need, and his doors were always open; his house was your house. He cared about everybody with a passion unlike anything that I have ever seen. When times were tough he always taught us to never give up.

He worked hard at everything he put his hands on and created magic. He touched so many. He was an incredible man. He loved life and he loved his family so much.

He had true greatness, with him there were always lessons to be learned. When he told stories he captivated a room. He was simply the greatest man anyone ever knew. He was an incredible husband and father to us kids, a wonderful grandfather, a teacher and a great friend.

Polo, you will be missed dearly, and never forgotten. You are and forever will be our hero, our king and the patriarch of our family. Words can never describe how grateful we all are to have had you in our lives. We will see you again someday. Rest in peace.