Frank Rodriguez Jr.

Frank Rodriguez was born August 22, 1930 at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, California. His Parents were Frank Rodriguez Sr. and Mary Alba. Frank attended Central Elementary School, National City Jr. High, Sweetwater High School (where he played Basketball, ran track and Cross Country). He earned an Associate Degree from San Diego City College. After college he entered the United States Air Force and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base as an airplane mechanic. He was a gunnery sergeant in charge of all the mechanics who worked on the B-36 Bombers during the Korean War (they were called the peacemakers because they actually never went to war). After 4 years he left the Air Force with an honorable discharge. He came back to National City and worked for an owner (Ben) of a Richfield gas station as a mechanic and gas attendant. In 1960 he started his own business as a gas station owner/mechanic for Frank’s Richfield Station on 4th and Highland in National City. He left Richfield to work for Shell Gas Company in 1969. His Shell station was located on 18th and Highland. Then Arco wanted him to run their Gas Station on Broadway and E in Chula Vista in 1972. ARCO approached him to go from being a mechanic to running an ARCO AM/PM. He won many awards from ARCO for the best AM/PM in the county and region. In 1987 he won a trip to Hong Kong. Many of Frank’s family members all worked for him as their first job. He taught us all to respect customers and good work ethics. He retired in 1989.

He was also a champion super stock car race driver in the 60’s. Most of his racing was at the El Cajon Speedway and Mexicali.

His love for sports was very obvious. He was a faithful fan of the Chargers, SDSU Basketball and Football and the San Diego Padres and Women’s Professional Basketball.

He was very proud of his 1956 T-Bird that he restored and won first place at several car shows.

After retiring he enjoyed vacationing in Las Vegas and several cruises.

Frank was preceded in death by both parents and his older sister Rose. He leaves behind his sister Carmen Boggio, daughter Debbie Kinney (Larry) and son Gary Rodriguez (Kathy). Nieces Denise Bongard, Janis Ireland and Nephew Albert Story. Plus several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, great nieces and nephews and Great-great nieces and nephews.

Frank before he passed remarked, “I have lived a long wonderful life”.

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