Gonzalo Rodriguez Jr.

EL PASO - Gonzalo “Rod” Rodriguez, Jr., son of Gonzalo, Sr., and Ramona Rodriguez, was born on November 20, 1941, in Paul Spur, Arizona. He was received by the Lord’s embrace on January 7, 2023, at age 81. Gonzalo was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 50 years, Thelma Rodriguez, and survived by his children, Charles E. Flores, Yvette M. (+Gilberto) Reyes, and Yvonne M. (+Raul) Moreno; his grandchildren, Charles (Natalie) Flores, Jr., Martin Gerardo, III, Amanda Flores, Michael (Shannon) Gerardo, Nathan Reyes, Nicole Reyes, Vanessa Flores, and Samuel Moreno; his great-grandchildren Leo Elizalde, Charlie Flores, and August Gerardo; his siblings, Gloria (Paul) Hernandez, Eduardo (Isabel) Rodriguez, and Consuelo (Benjamin Gomez) Rodriguez; his numerous nieces and nephews, and many close family friends. He was preceded in death by siblings Maria (Lyod) Happney, Virginia (Roman) Huerta, and Roberto (Cecilia) Rodriguez. Rod spent most of his life in El Paso, Texas, and was a proud alumnus of Bowie High School. After graduating in 1960, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Sales Store Specialist and achieved the rank of Airman Second Class. He served his country honorably until his discharge in 1964. After his service, Rod sought a career at R.E. Thomason General Hospital as a Material Manager handling purchases for various departments. He was well-recognized for his hard work and reliability throughout the hospital. He committed many years to Thomason Hospital and always took pride in everything he did. Rod was a soft-spoken, kind, and loving person. He and Thelma would open their home to anyone, treating all who passed through the doors as family. After his retirement, Rod was usually found with his grandchildren, likely watching them swimming in their pool and listening to oldies on the radio throughout the summer or cheering them on while they played sports. There was nothing he would not do for his family. Rod held his family with utmost importance, and all could count on him in a time of need. It brings our family peace knowing he and Thelma have been reunited. They are the true definition of kindred spirits, sharing a love and affinity that only grew as time passed. We are confident Thelma prepared a lavish welcoming party in heaven, where they danced the night away, an activity they both truly enjoyed. Rod will be missed by many. He left an everlasting impression on us all during his time on earth. Although we may not have him with us anymore, we know he will watch over us from the heavens. A visitation will be held on January 19, 2023 from 5:00-9:00 pm with the Rosary at 7:00 pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 N. Carolina Dr., El Paso, TX, 79915, A mass will be held on January 20, 2023 at 1:30 pm at San Antonio De Padua Catholic Church, 503 Hunter Dr., El Paso, TX, 79915. More information regarding the interment ceremony at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery will be provided later. Please come and celebrate the life of Gonzalo “Rod” Rodriguez with his family.