Reynaldo Rodriguez Sr.

Reynaldo Rodriguez was a quiet man who used few words to convey his thoughts. Commitment and love of family were consistently his priorities, always with a positive outlook and optimistic turn of mind, ready to encourage all in their pursuits.

Reynaldo was born the youngest son of Petra Magallanes and Felex Rodriguez in Houston, Texas, on January 5, 1926. As a young boy, he built a shoeshine box and earned quarters to give to his mother. He found satisfaction in helping and seeing his mother smile.

At 18, he served in the United States Army as a foot soldier in General Patton's 94th Infantry, better known as the "Ugly Ducklings." This infantry proved to be pivotal in the trajectory to victory in the European Theater. He also served in the Army of Occupation in Germany.

Fifty years later, Company K, the 376th Infantry Regiment, was awarded Bronze Stars for their bravery. He received an honorable discharge and returned home to graduate from Sam Houston High School. He was a professional tailor and had a lifelong passion for "fixing stuff," as he enjoyed figuring out how things worked.

During his young adult life, the great pass time was going to dances every weekend at the Pan-American Ballroom. On one evening, he met Edilma Maria Barrera Martinez. She was the prettiest girl he had ever met. Edilma Maria was from Panama and had a different way of speaking. She was not like anyone he had ever met. Reynaldo knew Edilma Maria was the love of his life, and they married in the springtime of 1959, just a few weeks after meeting. They quietly celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year.

Reynaldo Rodriguez belonged to the Greatest Generation. Manuel Palacios, his nephew, very succinctly remarked, "He survived WWII and is the strongest man I know. He is my hero." Reynaldo's family concurs.

At the age of 87, he made the ACTS retreat. His few words on the retreat experience, “I have not felt brotherhood like this since I was on the front line in Germany.”

After a long and full life, Reynaldo Rodriguez, age 95, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021, from natural causes.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

Reynaldo Rodriguez is survived by his wife, Edilma Maria Barrera Rodriguez, daughter Edilma Rodriguez, son Reynaldo Ray Rodriguez and his wife Anita, son David Rodriguez and his wife Leticia, granddaughter Marisa Izaguirre and her husband Manuel, granddaughter Elena Porras and her husband Tony, grandson Luis Reynaldo Rodriguez, granddaughter Bianca Rodriguez, great-grandchildren Ofelia Fe, Eliana Luz, Anthony Ray Jr., and Ray Catalino.

Visitation and Rosary for Reynaldo will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Funeral Mass will occur Wednesday, December 22, 2021, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4918 Cochran St, Houston, TX 77009.

Committal Service will occur Wednesday, December 22, 2021, from 12:45 PM to 1:15 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Reception will be hosted Wednesday, December 22, 2021, from 1:15 PM to 3:15 PM,

at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Rodriguez family.