"Tito"
Dad was born June 14, 1930 in Houston, Tx., as the third of seven children. His parents, Fortunato Rodriguez, Sr. (originally from Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mx.) and Estañislada (Benitez) Rodriguez (originally from San Luis Potosi, Mx.) settled in Houston, Tx. He was raised on the Northside during the Depression era. As a young teenager, dad worked with his father to learn the tile and masonry trades. Then, dad lost his father at the age of 17 and his mother at the age of 19. At that point, he became head of household and had to take over the family business as a Tile Contractor.
As a child he attended Looscan Elementary, and as a teenager, he attended Marshall Jr. High. Then, he attended Sam Houston High School in the Northside of Houston. He was on the track team. He turned into a handsome young man. On August 4, 1949, at the age of 19, he married the love of his life, our mom, Guadalupe Mares Rodriguez at our Lady of Guadalupe Church. They had seven children of their own. Two boys and five girls. Dad worked every day with no vacations to provide for his family. He enjoyed family gatherings, and was the greatest cook next to mom. He made tamales, menudo, mole, carne guisada, and caldo de rez. But, most of all, he was the Master of the BBQ Grill. If you would go to his house, you never left hungry.
Dad was the Patriarch of the Rodriguez Family. A loving soul as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend. Dad and Mom were long time members of St. Patrick's Church. All seven children made all their sacraments and be there to see all graduate from high school. He attended all family events and family reunions because dad loved family. He was very proud. Dad loved a great party and loved to dance! Everyone who met him was his friend by his million dollar smile and hospitality. Dad had a humorous side! We became known as one of the iconic families of Northside.
Dad and mom lived a true love story at the age of 67 years of marriage. They were bonded through the eyes of God as "One". In 2017, when we lost mom, dad cried every day for one year. But, with family support, he continued on for two more years and eight months longer.
In 2009, dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He still continued as long as he could to do things on his own. He was a strong person. Every time we told him, "I love you", he always did his best to say, "I love you too!". He was cared by his family and caregivers in his home. But, dad said, "Go Home!" I said, "Dad we are home?" He said, "No".
On December 28, 2019, Dad was surrounded by his loved ones when he went peacefully to be with the Lord. I'm sure my mom said, "What took you so long?". Mom and Dad are finally together! Dad is joined with his other angels in heaven. Thank you Dad for everything! You are the BEST! You are So rich in family values where your legacy will continue to live on forever. A piece of our hearts went with you! You will never be forgotten. We will see you on the other side of the rainbow. You will be truly missed! Love you So Very Much Daddy!
Serving as pallbearers will be Edward Rodriguez, Richard Rodriguez, Scott Rodriguez, Steven Rodriguez, Vincent Sarabia, Stephen Montoya, Jose Diaz, Cody Kuykendall and Sam Mares, Jr.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.8.18