Javier Rodriguez Sr.

Born in Zamora, Michocan, Mexico to the late Rafael and Gracia Peńa Rodriguez on November 10, 1927, Javier came to the United States in search of opportunity. He found not only a career at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, where he worked for 35 years before retiring in 1987; but he also found the love of his life, Dolores. They wed August 31, 1951 starting their love story by residing in Detroit, Michigan later moving to Dearborn to be closer to his job. Never one to sit still, while still at Ford, he also worked part-time as an auto mechanic, finding passion in working on cars and tinkering in the garage (and passing his mechanical knowledge on to his children). After retirement, he and Dolores relocated to Garden Grove, California. He decided to rejoin the workforce and began a second career working for the city of Garden Grove. He was assigned to the Garden Grove Police Department on March 21, 1991, as a custodial worker. He enjoyed it there so much that remarkably, he worked there for 27 years, retiring May 11, 2018, at the ripe young age of 91. To say he had a strong work ethic is an understatement—he believed in giving his best to everything he did.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, in-law, and friend to many, he lived a life filled with hard work, laughter, and commitment to family. He was a humble and generous man who would give the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers with a special fondness for Kobe Bryant. He also loved tending to his gardens and taking special care of his avocado trees.

Above all else, family was his greatest pride and joy. Whether it was weekend outings to the beach, afternoons in the park, trips to the cottage at the lake, or just being silly at family gatherings, he was proud to be surrounded by his ever growing family. He loved grilling for his family, being the "family barber," and playing practical jokes. His love of music and dance filled their home, and he delighted in teaching his children traditional Mexican dances. He had a special gift for making his grandchildren laugh, from the silly faces he showed off and playful "toothpick kisses" to the homemade swings that brought endless fun. He even liked to teach them their first spanish words, "tráeme una cerveza".

Everything he did was for his wife and children, whom he cherished more than words can say. His love for Dolores was the foundation of his life—a true and pure love story that spanned 74 years. Their bond was an inspiration to all who knew them.

In addition to his beloved wife Dolores, he is survived by his children, Javier Jr (Rosi) Rodriguez, Armando Rodriguez, Linda Rodriguez, Rose Tutterrow, Lori Kunka, Dolores (Robert) Bowen, James (Angela)Rodriguez, Joseph (Joan) Rodriguez, and Ralph (Delores) Rodriguez, grandchildren; Javier Luis Rodriguez, Alex Rodriguez, Daniel Rodriguez, Charles Rodriguez, Sandy Kleino, Jessica (David) Gapske, Nicole (Mario) Campos, Anthony Rodriguez, Christopher Beamer, Sarah Beamer, Krysten (Brian) Sladewski, Megan Bowen, Justin (Katie) Bowen, Brian Rodriguez, Brent Rodriguez, Selea Rodriguez, Seanna Rodriguez, Yvonne Rodriguez, Raphael (Lily) Rodriguez, Maria Rodriguez; 20 Great-grandchildren, and 2 Great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, In-laws and friends. He also leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, resilience, and hard work that will live on for generations.

Besides his parents, Javier was preceded in death by his siblings, Salvador, Luis, Pedro, Raphael, Jose, Anita, and Mercedes; his Mother-in-law Lydia Malvestuto, Brother-in-law Robert Cortes, Son-in-laws Gary Kunka, Roger Tutterrow and Grandson Michael Kunka.

A memorial/visitation will be held at Dimond and Shannon Mortuary, Garden Grove, California on April 4 from 1-5pm to honor and remember the incredible man he was. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved.

You can also honor his memory by spending time with your loved ones, sharing a dance, watch a Laker game, make a goofy face and take time to smell the avocados — all things he loved to do.

He traditionally said, "the "fiesta" is over" at the end of family gatherings, at this time he would say, "The fiesta is not over—it’s just continuing to a fiesta with Jesus and the Angels in Heaven. Keep the laughter, the love, and the music playing, and I’ll always be with you." His love and laughter will never be forgotten.