Judge Armando O. Rodriguez

Armando O. Rodriguez, passed away peacefully at the age of 87, with his family and friends at his bedside.

Armando was born in Fresno, CA ,on October 31, 1929, to his parents, Jorge and Carmen Rodriguez of Mexico City D.F., Mexico. Armando was the ninth of 12 children. Raised on the west side of Fresno, CA, he attended Lincoln Elementary School, graduated from Edison High School in 1948, where he met his soulmate, Betty Raya. They married on July 15, 1950. Shortly afterwards, Armando entered the United States Air Force where he served as a Morse code radio operator during the Korean Conflict. Betty and Armando had no children of their own, but they had many nieces and nephews, which they loved, encouraged, and supported in education. After Armando graduated from Fresno State College, Hastings Law School, and L.L.B. Lincoln University, he began his private practice in 1967 in Fresno.

Armando was the first Hispanic in many important positions. He was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in 1975, as Judge Fresno Municipal Court; and in 1979, as Judge Fresno Superior Court. He was the first attorney to work for California Rural Legal Assistance, CRLA and the first Hispanic elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

He served on Migrant Legal Services as Chairperson; Fresno City Housing Committee; Community Development Commission; Board of Community Medical Center; Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post 8900; lifetime member of the Fresno State Alumni Association; Board of Fresno Regional Foundation, now Central Valley Community Foundation; Board of Radio Bilingue; Board of Fresno Metropolitan Museum; New Cultural Initiative of the Mexican Consul's Office; State President of the Mexican-American Political Association (MAPA); Directing Attorney, Alameda County Legal Aid Society; Director of Administration for CCAA; Directing Attorney for the California Rural Legal Assistance in Madera; Fresno County Legal Services; Founder of Arte Americas Casa de la Cultura; Chairman of the Board at IMECAL, the Mexican Cultural Institute; International Committee Chairman; active role in the United Way; member in the Fresno Metropolitan Rotary; and prime mover on the Sister Cities Council of Fresno; and founder of the Fresno-Torreon Sister Cities Committee.

He was the recipient of Bernie Witkin Lifetime Achievement Award, Fresno County Bar Association's highest honor; President's Medal of Distinction from Dr. Joseph Castro, California State University, Fresno; La Madeaña De Ohtli by the Mexican government, the highest medal Mexico awards to any person not born in Mexico; and Arte Americas Inaugural Legacy Award.

Armando and Betty were the couple everyone loved. They supported each other in every way. After Betty's passing, Armando continued to be devoted to Betty by visiting her graveside every day for the past four and a half years. He was so proud that a Fresno County Library was named after his wife, The "Betty Rodriguez Regional Library"

Armando was not a great golfer but he loved to play and did every chance he had. He was thrilled to have played Pebble Beach three times. He enjoyed playing in the Annual Rodriguez Family Golf Tournament every year.

Armando was preceded in death by his parents, Jorge and Carmen Rodriguez; and his siblings, sisters, Micaela Palacios, Susie Martinez, and brothers, George Rodriguez, Louie Rodriguez, Fred Rodriguez, Joaquin (Kokomo) Rodriguez, and Reuben Rodriguez.

He is survived by his sisters, Vicky Rodriguez, Evangeline Chavarria, and Pearl Farris; brother, Henry Rodriguez and wife Kiyoko; and sister-in-law, Emma Castro.

Visitation will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Friday, April 21, 2017, at 11:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be made to Arte Americas or the Central Valley Community Foundation or the charity of your choice.