Richard S. Rodriguez

Surrounded by family, our beloved and loving husband, father and grandfather, Richard Rodriguez left this life at sunset on April 22, 2016 at the age of 83. He was our rock. His passing has changed our lives forever.

Richard was a native of Sacramento. He attended the old Marshall School, Sutter Junior High and Sacramento High School (class of 1951). He was a graduate of Sacramento City College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He was the first of his immediate family to graduate from college.

In 1962, he married Nancy Lawrence. Both brought children from previous marriages to their union. Instead of the usual newlywed family numbering 2, when Richard and Nancy said their “I do’s”, they became a family of 8! They would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in May.

Richard served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a survivor of the sinking of his ship, the USS Sarsi (ATF-111) in 1952 after the ship struck a North Korean Mine in the Sea of Japan. After returning from the Navy, he worked at McClellan AFB and in several departments of the City of Sacramento.

On December 21, 1959, he became an officer with the Sacramento Police Department, among the first few officers of Hispanic descent. He served in the Patrol and Detective Divisions and retired in 1986 after 27 years of service.

Richard was a charter member of the Sacramento Veteran Police Officers Association and the Sarsi Survivors Association. He was also a member of the National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors.

Richard was a great fan of the SF Giants, Niners, Raiders and the Sacramento Kings. He loved music, and it was a disappointment to him that he did not play a musical instrument in spite of his best efforts! He enjoyed golfing, camping and spending time with family and long-time friends.

Richard is survived by his wife Nancy; daughters Valerie (Patrick), Kelly, Laura and Shari; sister Dolores (Tom); grandchildren Janet, Allen, Sarah, Leslie, Lisa, Jared, Richard, Desiree, Meagen, Deanna, Juliann, Stephen, Katie, Melisa and Jamie; daughter-in-law Margaret and many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by sons Patrick (2011) and Lawrence (2015); brothers, Paul and Louis; sisters Mary, Carmen, Lupe and his parents Claro and Librada (Lujan) Rodriguez.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. A private inurnment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park after the reception.