Isabelino Vazquez-Rodriguez

Isabelino Vazquez-Rodriguez, CPT, US Army (Ret), passed away peacefully on January 7, 2023 at the age of 92. Isabelino was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, and was raised during the Great Depression and Second World War. He was known as a hard worker who always put his family and his country first. Isabelino had a passion for sports, politics, and the military. At just 19 years old, he was drafted into the Army from the University of Puerto Rico where he played baseball. Isabelino served as an infantryman in the 15th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. After returning to Puerto Rico after the Korean War, he made the decision to return to the Army. He went on to become an Operations Master Sergeant with the 5th Special Forces Group, and a Company Commander with the 101st Airborne Division, serving three tours in the Vietnam War. His distinguished and honorable actions in the Vietnam War were awarded with the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star.

Isabelino retired from the Army after 30 years of service with a multitude of esteemed decorations, medals, and awards. He completed his Masters and Doctorates degrees in Business Management, and went on to work for ITT Corporation for 16 years before retiring with his wife and family in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Isabelino is preceded in death by his son, Robert, and his parents. He's survived by his wife of 42 years, Uthoomporn; his son, John Vazquez; his daughter and son-in-law, Tai and Mike Hucks; his son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Jennifer Reidell; and his grandchildren, Brittney Hucks and Zachary Reidell.

Isabelino was loved dearly by his family and well respected by his community and colleagues. His family has organized a memorial service to honor Isabelino’s life and military service, which will be held at the Sunnylane Funeral Home in Del City, Oklahoma on January 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm.