Carlos Rodriguez

Carlos is survived by his children: Lucimelda Rodriguez-Kovach (husband Christopher Kovach), Maria Rodriguez, Cecilia Rodriguez (husband Cristobal Reyes) and Carlos Rodriguez Jr; Four grandchildren: Francisca Rodriguez-Reyes, Antonio Kovach-Rodriguez, Daniel Reyes-Rodriguez, and Matteo Kovach-Rodriguez. He is preceded in death by his wife Francisca Loera Rodriguez; his father Jose Guadalupe Rodriguez; his mother Maria del Refugio Rivera; and his twin sister Maria Dolores Rodriguez, and other siblings Juan Rodriguez Rivera, Luz Rodriguez Rivera, Imelda Rodriguez Rivera, Jesus Rodriguez Rivera and Rafael Salazar Rodriguez.

Carlos was born on November 21, 1929 in Indiana Harbor, Indiana where he lived his first years of life. His parents moved the family back to Durango Mexico where they supported their family with a small store where they sold coal for cooking and heating. Shortly after returning to Mexico, Carlos' father died of black lung disease leaving Cuca, as Carlos' mother was known, to raise the family on her own. From a very young age, Carlos was motivated to help his mother in any way he could. As a young boy he ran errands to earn money to help out the family. Later, he would work at some of the shops around town where he was known for his aptitude in correctly estimating the weight of goods by simply holding them in his hands. He grew up in Durango until the age of 21. Then, he moved back to the States. After living in various cities around the country, he ended up in Stockton, CA. There he met Francisca who would become his wife and the mother of his four children. They enjoyed fifteen years of marriage until Francisca's death in 1988. From that moment he raised his children on his own. Throughout his life in Stockton, he worked in various jobs: restaurants, agriculture, factories, canneries, and as a self-employed carpenter until his retirement.

Carlos was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was greatly motivated by searching for solutions to problems. He read the newspaper every morning and stayed up on current events. He enjoyed composing songs and poetry about his life and topics important to him. He loved carpentry, often donating his work to organizations important to him: Boggs Tract Community Center, St. Linus Church, and the migrant labor housing camp in French Camp to name a few. He made beautiful patio sets out of scrap wood. You may still find some of his outdoor patio sets around town. He loved his family very much and often expressed how proud he was of his children and grandchildren. He loved the Lord and la Virgen de Guadalupe with all his heart and is now in his eternal home where he will be with his wife, Francisca and all of his loved ones who preceded him in death.

A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at De Young Memorial Chapel in Stockton, CA with a rosary immediately following. Mass will be on Thursday, January 18th at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Church in Stockton, CA. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Carlos' life.

Carlos will later be interred with his beloved wife, Francisca, in Yuma, AZ.