Leonardo J. Rodriguez

Our beloved father, great friend and loving grandfather Leonardo “Ñico” Rodriguez passed away peacefully July 7th, 2015 at age 81. It was just a little over a year after the death of his beloved wife Carmita. Dad never recovered from her loss after over 60 years of sharing their love and life together. Mom and Dad managed to depart the communist regime of Cuba on May 23rd, 1968 along with their two boys Tony and David for a chance to live the American Dream. Just two months after their arrival in Dallas, Texas they gave birth to their third son George; then a few years later their loving daughter Carmen came into the world. They often said that their greatest joy was to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Dad was a tireless worker and gladly managed an impossible schedule with enthusiasm and drive. Ensuring that his wife and his children had the best of everything even under the worst of conditions during their time under the Cuban communist regime was his primary focus. Upon arriving in Dallas in 1968, Dad worked 2 jobs to make sure he provided for his family. Ñico had a full time job at AW Cullum & Companies in addition to working part-time at the Fairmont Hotel where he bonded and shared similar stories with various Cuban-American immigrants who worked 7 days a week and were grateful for the opportunity and freedom this country provided. Dad was a huge sports fan. His favorite teams included the Denver Broncos and the New York Yankees. One of the biggest thrills of his life was spending his 80th birthday just a year ago along with his children and grand children at Yankee Stadium in New York City. It was a moment in life we will celebrate and cherish forever! We will always love you Papi Ñico. He is survived by his oldest son Tony; son David and his spouse Brad; son George and his spouse Michelle; daughter Carmen and her spouse Michel; grandchildren Kristina, Natasha, Michael, George Nicolas, Bella Cristina, Mila & Liam as well as our extended family Frank Tejera & family; Arnold Tejera and family; Jose “Pepe” Martinez & family; Nicolas Padron & family and Jesus J Quintana & family. We invite you to join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Ñico. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 between 4PM and 8PM, with a Rosary at 6PM in the Calvary Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 205 at 12PM in the North Chapel Mausoleum of Calvary Hill, with interment to follow in the Calvary Hill Cemetery.