Joseph M. Rodriguez

"Joe", as he liked to be called, was born to Raul and Concepción Rodriguez in Mexicali, Baja California. He had the distinction of being the first born son in a family of six siblings. Consequently, his role in the family dynamics was that of "big brother" in every sense of the word. Joe looked out protectively for his two brothers; Raul Jr. and Hector and his three sisters, Olga, Delia and Rosemary. He was the first to be heard and usually the one with the final word when it came to family discussions. At Joe's tender age of seven years old the Rodriguez family immigrated to San Diego and Joe fully assimilated to his new surroundings and quickly made new friends. During his high school years Joe dreamed of traveling to far away places. He realized that dream when he joined the U.S.Air Force. After basic training, his choice duty station was Puerto Rico. It was there that he met and married his first wife, Josefina. From this marriage his daughter Sylvia and son Joseph became his legacy. Joe was a man of many interests but his passion in life was his family. He enjoyed spending time with them and in particular taking them on camping ventures. As life would have it, Joe's first marriage ended in divorce and it was then that Joe decided to go back to school to obtain his state contractor's license in the construction business. He teamed up with his younger brother Roy and thus "Rodriguez Cement & Concrete Designs" was born. Joe and Roy had a successful run in their joint business venture. The brothers were known throughout the county of San Diego for their beautiful creations of cement and brick walls and walkways. They proudly poured patio foundations for all family and friends who sought out their craftsmanship. In 1974, Joe was married for the second and final time to Manuela or "Nely" as she was affectionately known to all. Joe and Nely enjoyed traveling to Rosarito Beach often where Nely's family lived on a ranch. Joe and Nely proudly became godparents to Nely's numerous nephews and nieces for weddings, baptisms, or quinceaneras celebrations at "El Rancho de Rosarito". Joe's passion of "dancing the night away" during these celebrations was often captured in family photos. He loved to recall the time when he won a "salsa dance competition", and took home the first prize trophy dancing with his little sister, Rosemary. Joe also loved traveling and one of his favorite destinations was Hawaii to visit with his sister Olga. As Joe's health started to fail, he would often say that nothing would happen to him until Olga came back to live in San Diego and make the family complete again. Unfortunately, this was not to be. His failing health was kept in check and came to a surprise to many of his closest family members. Joe is survived by his wife of 39 years, Nely, his children Joe and Sylvia and two grandchildren, Daniel and Ariel. In addition, his survivors include his sisters, Olga, Delia and Rosemary. He will be greatly missed by numerous nieces and nephews both in San Diego and Rosarito Beach, Mexico. Funeral arrangements will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey, 753 Broadway, Chula Vista, California, 91910 on Sunday, April 7th, 2013 begining at 3 p.m. On Monday, April 8th, there will be a funeral mass at St. Jude Catholic Church in San Diego at 10 a.m. Final resting place will be at Miramar National Cemetery with military honors.