Jose S. Rodriguez

Jose S. Rodriguez son of Refugio Rodriguez, and Patrocino Salazar Rodriguez, passed away at the age of 90 on February 25, 2021. Jose was born on November 18, 1930 in the city of Fresnillo, Zacatecas. Jose began his tailoring career in 1942 in his hometown of Fresnillo. As time passed he opened his tailoring shop in 1967. It was located on the second floor of a building in downtown El Paso on the corner of Texas and Oregon and was called “Jose Rodriguez Tailor Shop.” His experience led him to successfully tailor and sew for over 63 years.

His shop was an encapsulated version of an old hotel lobby, with posters that hung on the walls with travel themes, such as Italian Villas. The wall paint was a light peal green that was cracked and peeling in some areas, due to aging. He also had a sewing machine that was 100 years old but was an important part of his shop despite its age.

He was open six days a week and during his lifetime he witnessed the first revitalization of downtown, El Paso. Jose did important tailoring jobs for “The Popular”, “The Mayfair”, “Bonanza”, and “The White House”. He also tailored the uniforms for the UTEP band members and provided his services for other organizations in El Paso.

Jose was a loving grandfather, father, and an active member in the community. He was a charitable man whom donated actively to various charities and nonprofit organizations. He enjoyed traveling, and his favorite hobby was watching old black and white movies, westerns, documentaries and he was also a connoisseur of food and spirits.

Jose S. Rodriguez was preceded in death by his wife Agueda G. Rodriguez and is survived by his daughters Sylvia R. Dungan, Jose Rodriguez, Graciela Arreola, Yvonne L. Rodriguez, and Carlos Rodriguez. As part of a fourth generation, he also leaves behind many grandchildren, and great grandchildren, along with many friends, colleagues and acquaintances, and his beloved cat Travieso.

He was an important pillar to the Rodriguez family and a symbol of strength and unity for our current and future generations.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to El Paso’s Children Hospital, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, and to El Pasoan’s Fighting Hunger Food Bank. These are some of the charities that Jose would donate to.

Due to COVID a private family service will be held March 24, 2021.