Armando Penaflor Rodriguez

Armando Penaflor Rodriguez went to be with the Lord on March 12, 2015. Armando passed peacefully in his sleep at home. Armando was the oldest of three children, born on August 27, 1961. He grew up in (Central) Santa Clara, New Mexico. Armando graduated from Cobre High School in 1979, attended Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, AZ to study Diesel Truck Mechanics in 1980, he enlisted to the United States Navy in 1981 and traveled the world on the U.S.S. Ranger Carrier and was Honorably Discharged in 1985. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Alfred State- SUNY (State University of New York) College of Technology in Chemical Engineering in 1991 and worked as a diesel engine mechanic, a phlebotomist lab technician, and radiation safety engineer. One of his honors while enrolled at Alfred State was to be chosen for the U.S. Collegiate Minority Achievement Award and recognized by Senator John R. Kuhl from the state of New York.

Armando is preceded in death by his father Simon Rodriguez. Armando is survived by his mother Enriqueta, his sister Monica, and her husband Michael, and his sister Margaret and her husband Gilbert. He is also survived by his nieces Miranda and Aimee and his uncle Arturo Penaflor of Juarez, Mexico and his aunt Maria Miranda of Los Angeles, California. Armando is also survived by many friends and extended family.

Armando loved animals, traveling around the world, music and spending time with family and friends. He had an amazing sense of humor that brought laughter to many. Friends and family will cherish the many adventures with him. The memories and stories we shared with him will forever live in our hearts. His kind heart and good nature allowed him to meet people and make friends easily. His big heart and contagious smile will be missed.

A celebration of Armando’s life will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix AZ 85024 at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 23, 2015. Serving as pallbearers are Richard Villegas, Benito Villegas and Joe Quintana.