Guadalupe Rodriguez

Guadalupe Rodriguez, Pueblo School District 60 educator who impacted thousands of students’ lives through his comforting presence and dedication, believed that all students stand a chance for success if they have the right help — died on Wednesday, June 21st, 2017 at 68.

Born on December 20th, 1948 in Peppersauce Bottoms barrio of Pueblo, Colorado to Manuel and Josephina Rodriguez, Guadalupe was the big brother to five sisters Gloria, Maggie, Angie, Eva, Francis, and two brothers Steve and Manuel, and dearly beloved cousins. The family didn’t have much in those early years and this drove Guadalupe to work hard for his family and friends.

This work ethic, which never diminished throughout his life, allowed him to become the first in his family to graduate from college. He received his Bachelors with an emphasis in Spanish from Southern Colorado State College (CSU-P) in 1971. Shortly after, Guadalupe earned his Masters of Counseling in 1978 from Adams State College (ASU). Because he understood the value of a good education, he spent most of his career as a guidance counselor at Centennial High School which was also his alma mater. After retiring he served various schools as a counselor.

It was during his time as a college student at Southern Colorado State College that he met his wife, Mary, in foreign language classes. Their first activities included going to movies, attending church followed by eating donuts, hours of studying together, and spending time with younger siblings. Since Spanish was his first language and was primarily spoken at home, Lupe appreciated Mary’s ability to communicate with his family, especially his mother. Together Lupe and Mary experienced life’s ebbs and flows with 45 years of marriage. They sustained immense loss with their first son, Peter, who died as a newborn. Keeping faith and hope for life, they had two other children, John and Marisa. As a family, they ventured to Washington D.C., Mexico, Disney World, Europe, and around Colorado. Guadalupe created traditions of bike rides, breakfasts, cherry limeades, Dairy Queen Blizzards, and Orange Crush sodas. Through his acts, he freely displayed his devotion, pride, and joy of his family.

Few were as hard working throughout all pathways in life as Guadalupe. From a young age, he spent summers working in the fields. During college, he also worked at the CF&I and at local businesses learning his handyman trades. Because of what he learned from these early jobs, he strived to help others whenever possible. Whether at homes, businesses, or churches, he was available whenever anyone asked. He was seen planting (and unplanting) trees in numerous yards, painting houses, making fences, wiring electricity, fixing roofs, replacing worn-out parts, and maintaining air conditioners. Behind the tasks themselves, improving lives was his real intent.

As a husband, father, brother, mentor, and advisor, he guided many people. With Mary, he raised two children. Shortly before his death, he welcomed his son-in-law Jonathan into the family. He walked sisters down the aisle, taught numerous family members how to drive, and encouraged brothers and sisters to attain college degrees. Being an oldest sibling, he acted as a leader and best friend to many. When in need, others turned to him for not only handyman requests, but also for advice with all aspects of life. He offered financial opinions, relationship navigation, emotional support, and existential ponderings.

As a devout Catholic, he lived as a good man with a deep faith in God. This faith has now led him Home.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 24th from 4-6pm at Imperial Funeral Home. His rosary will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on Monday, June 26th at 9:30am with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow. He will be laid to rest following services at Imperial Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of food, flowers and etc, please leave your stories/memories about Guadalupe and/or visit our "you caring site" https://www.youcaring.com/guadaluperodriguez