Theodore Rivera Rodriguez

29 October, 1938 - 19 July, 2026

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Theodore Rivera Rodriguez on July 19th 2026, at 87 years old. Born on October 29th, 1938 in Los Nietos, California to Juaquin Rodriguez and Cruz Rivera. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Lilly, Cruz, Becky, and Joe. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Frances Alice; Child Ted Jr.; Grandchildren: Alisha, Theodore III, Angelina and Elijah; Siblings: Alice, Jack and Irene; as well as other relatives and friends.

Ted moved from California to Arizona during grade school where he would become a man known for his love of dancing, sports and style. A proud Army veteran, Ted achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class during his 24 years of military service. Ted spent his career as a Supervisor at AT&T, where he attended Friday bowling league. After retiring, Ted's love of sports continued, leading him to umpiring baseball for AIA, Little league, NABA and various other leagues.

Most of all, Ted was known for making friends everywhere that he went. His humor, spirit, and genuine love of life lead people to gravitate towards him and his beautiful wife Alice his entire life. Perhaps the greatest testament of this, is the many wedding marches he and Alice found themselves at the front of, no doubt the best dressed man there. Ted was a man that was genuinely loved by those around him. From his wife, to his family, and all of those that had the fortunate luck to even have called him a friend.

He returned that love truly and completely. Ted was the man who everyone turned to in the hardest of times, but he was also the man who was the center of every smile in the room. He will be missed, but most importantly his wisdom, his guidance, and his love will endure through all of those who had the pleasure to have known him.

A visitation will be held on August 6th at 5:00 pm at Chapel of the Chimes. On August 7th, a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am at St. Gregory’s Roman Catholic Church, followed by burial and military honors at 12:30 pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Subsequently, there will be a celebration of life held at 1:30 pm at St. Gregory’s Reception Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Gregory’s Roman Catholic Church in honor of Theodore R. Rodriguez to help fund the church's new A/C system.