Raul Rodriguez Rodriguez

June 2, 1951 – March 26, 2025

Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Raul Rodriguez, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the age of 73.

Raul is survived by his three children, Raul Rodriguez Jr., Claudia Rodriguez, and Marissa Rodriguez; his granddaughter, Alicia Taylor; and his siblings: Esteban Rodriguez, Ernestina Garza, Arturo Rodriguez, Berta Rodriguez, Manuel Rodriguez Jr., Amelia Quintana, Linda Muñoz, Alejandro Rodriguez, Carol Rodriguez, and Erika Rodriguez. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of nearly 51 years, Connie Rodriguez; his parents, Maria Arabella and Manuel Rodriguez; and his beloved grandmother, Anastasia Vidaurri.

Raul was born in Eagle Pass, Texas (Maverick County) on June 2, 1951. Due to his parents’ frequent moves for work, Raul spent the first 16 years of his life in the loving care of his grandmother and aunt. Though his early years were marked by financial hardship, he was surrounded by an abundance of love—an experience that shaped him into the remarkable man he would become.

At 16, Raul moved to Sanger, California to live with his parents and siblings. He graduated from Sanger High School in 1970. Two years later, in a moment he would describe as written in the stars, Raul met the love of his life, Connie, during a chance encounter at a local grocery store, Merri Mart. From that day forward, he knew his life would not be complete without her. They married on November 4, 1972, in Sanger, and together built a beautiful life, raising their three children: Raul Jr., Claudia, and Marissa.

Raul and Connie were entrepreneurial partners, opening their first grocery store in 1979. After selling it in 1983, they purchased another store in Kingsburg, California, which they operated for two years before pursuing new opportunities. Raul later joined Save Mart Supermarkets and, true to their shared spirit, he and Connie embarked on a new journey together: higher education. They enrolled in college together, earning bachelor’s degrees from California State University, Fresno in 1994, and master’s degrees in special education from National University in 1997.

Their shared passion for education led them to careers in teaching, with a special focus on special education. They poured their hearts into their work, touching countless lives with their dedication and care. Even as Connie battled cancer and had to retire early, Raul continued to work tirelessly to ensure she received the best health care possible. He began commuting weekly to Bakersfield to teach GED classes at an in-custody jail facility, where he found deep fulfillment in helping his students succeed. Inspired by their resilience, Raul began writing a book titled A Field of Carrots, a nod to the bright orange uniforms his students wore.

Raul found solace and joy in writing. He penned poems, short stories, and journal entries that he often shared with loved ones. His words reflected the depth of his compassion, insight, and humor.

Raul was also a devoted walker, proud of achieving 10,000 steps before 8 a.m.—rain or shine. He stayed active throughout the day, always working on a new home project to make life easier and more comfortable for his family.

Although Raul had been battling stage 4 colon cancer since 2018, he always placed his family’s needs above his own—especially in caring for his beloved Connie during her final years. When she passed, a part of him left with her. His reason to keep fighting dimmed as he longed to be reunited with his soulmate of 51 years.

Raul will be remembered for his kind heart, his unwavering devotion to family, his passion for education, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He was selfless and dependable—a true problem solver who would show up for anyone in need, no questions asked. He cared deeply for those around him and made it his mission to help others whenever he could. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and inspiration that will live on in all of us

Services for Raul will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Sanger, CA) on Monday, August 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Interment will follow at Sanger Cemetery, with a reception immediately after at Grace Barn in Del Rey, CA.

The family deeply appreciates the love and support shown during this time.