Fred V. Rodriguez, age 91, passed away May 3, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on November 12, 1929 in San Antonio, Texas to Federico and Maria Vasquez Rodriguez. He is survived by his children, Rebecca Ann Schwartz and husband David, Rosemary Hernandez and husband Richard, Margret Young and husband Monte D., and Fred V. Rodriguez Jr.; grandchildren, Julia Ann Schwartz and David Schwartz Jr.; great-grandchildren, Oscar Gamez and Catalina Gamez; sister, Guadalupe Canady. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elena L. Rodriguez, his son Fred Rodriguez and 3 sisters, Margarita Espiritu, Maria Contreras and Rebecca Brewer.
Fred led a full and prosperous life. He attended Irving Middle School and Fox Tech High School of the San Antonio Independent School District. Fred held his first job at 13 years of age as a bus boy at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio. In 1946, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Armed Forces and is a veteran of the Korean War. He served three years with distinction as a Corporal. He also served in the National Guard of the United States and the Army National Guard of Texas from 1954 - 1957 and was honorably discharged as a Quality Marksman.
Fred attended the Lewis Barber College in San Antonio and received his diploma in 1949. Soon after, he met his wife, Elena. They married in 1952 celebrated their 62nd anniversary before her death.
Fred began his civil service career with the Department of the Air Force in 1951 in the San Antonio Air Materials Area (SAAMA) division at Kelly Air Force Base. Fred was promoted twice during his career at Kelly AFB and was certified in Aeroproducts Operations and endorsed as a Quality Assurance Program Manager. Fred retired as a Quality Inspector in 1986. During his 35 years at Kelly AFB, Fred would earn more than 20 certificate awards for his significant contributions and innovative ideas to improve performance and reduce cost, saving the federal government well over $1M each year. He also received over 10 Letters and Certificates of Appreciation for outstanding performance and 2 Special Achievement Awards for sustained superior performance. In 1981, Fred was nominated for the Presidential Letter of Commendation by General O’Loughlin.
Fred dabbled in woodworking, creating animal shaped coined banks and clocks. He enjoyed repairing appliances and building radios in his spare time. He earned his diploma from National Technical Schools of Los Angeles, California for Practical TV and Radio Servicing.
Fred spent quality time with his family. He served as an assistant coach for little league baseball and softball. His most favorite hobby was fishing.
After retirement, Fred reignited his artistic talent yielding numerous sketches and paintings.
Fred lived a full life and left an impression on many with his words of wisdom and his presence.
Visitation will be at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas 78238 on Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M with a rosary at 7:00 P.M. The funeral procession will depart Sunset Northwest Funeral Home on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 9:30 A.M. for a 10:00 A.M. mass at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 5919 Ingram Road, San Antonio, Texas 78228. Interment will follow at San Fernando Cemetery # 3
