Tributes

Richard R. Rodriguez, 72, was a kind, humble soul, and a man with a big heart who loved people. He was born July 15, 1950, in San Antonio and died unexpectedly on October 22, 2022. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at Palm Heights Mortuary (3711 So. Zarzamora) from 4pm – 8pm with a rosary to begin at 6pm. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church (1710 Clower St.) at 10:30am with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1pm. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Romero Rodriguez, and Francisca Rodriguez and his older brother, Gildardo R. Rodriguez. He is survived by his wife, Ana Patricia Rodriguez Granados and his adult children from a previous marriage, Angélica Moriarty and Carlos Rodriguez. Richard was gifted with seven grandchildren: Samara, Isabella and Dakota Rodriguez, Richard Vargas jr., and Brayden Goodwin, and Celeste and Adeline Esquivel. Richard also leaves behind three surviving siblings, Albert R. Rodriguez, Manuel R. Rodriguez, Jr., and Margie Vallejo. There were three life-long things Richard valued in his life: his family and children, his military career and his carrying out his lay ministry as a Roman Catholic catechism teacher. After his graduation from Lanier High School in San Antonio, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1974. There, he was trained to be a gunner’s mate and to be part of a gunnery team manning all ship weaponry. Richard was also a small weapons instructor and a decorated marksman. Richard was deployed aboard USS ships, such as the Kitty Hawk, the Platte and the Spear, some which were involved in patrolling the blue waters during the Vietnam war and the first Iraq war. In addition to his various medals earned for his military service, Petty Officer First Class Richard Rodriguez received various ribbons, including his Sharp-Shooter Expert ribbon. In addition to all of this, Richard found a way to channel his nervous energy as an on-board boxer. After his retirement from the Navy in 1992, Richard proudly served with the Ft. Sam based, Memorial Services Detachment, that provides military honors to veterans buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Another post retirement accomplishment was his goal of getting more formal education, which he did by attending St. Mary’s University and receiving his associate degree from San Antonio College. Richard was a life-long Roman Catholic, having been baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in the now much-acclaimed Mexican American Westside area of San Antonio where he was born and raised. In his last phase of his life, Richard was an active parishioner, usher, and teacher at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. As a catechist with the Confraternity Doctrine program for high school students, he carried out his teaching ministry using his gifts of practical simplicity and humor. Another notable accomplishment as a Catholic was Richard’s affiliation with the color and honor guard team of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree 1102 Assembly which emphasizes patriotism and outreach to veterans, active military and those who have passed. Indeed, Richard was a people person, a joiner, and gave of himself in so many ways. He was much beloved by those with whom he came in contact. His family and friends will miss his infectious smile and easy-going manner. Te queremos Ricardo, we love you. You will be missed by all.

Tributes

Richard R. Rodriguez

July 15, 1950 - October 22, 2022