Ernest Nicholas Rodriguez, IV

Ernest "Ernie" Rodriguez passed away on January 16, 2022. Ernie was born in San Antonio to Ernest Nicholas and Mari Teresa Medellin Rodriguez. He was proud of San Antonio and loved the city. In later years, he also enjoyed spending time in Fredericksburg and Rockport. He was a true Texan. Ernie graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959 and attended the University of Texas. He was a gifted athlete and was an all star in several sports, but he especially loved baseball, where his Central Catholic team went undefeated. He kept a lifetime connection to his teammates. He was an active alumnus and met monthly with his high school friends.

During his time playing baseball at UT, he became lifelong friends with Red McCombs. He worked as a General Manager at his auto dealerships and pursued many business entrepreneurial endeavors.

Family, friends and faith were his absolute priorities. He was very proud of his daughter, Dawn Marie and his son, Little Ernie. (Who at 62" isnt so little). He was one of a kind, larger than life, gregarious, mischievous, sometimes off color, grandiose and could always command a room. He was an eternal optimist - passionate and persistent. He lived life on his terms. He enjoyed life to the fullest, whether it was dressing in style, having a great steak and fine wine, or working out at the gym, playing golf, or just watching UT or the Spurs on TV. He was an avid reader, and a lifelong student of history. He kept a devoted prayer life and attended the Catholic Church daily. He would say he needed all the help he could get.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gloria Coward; his brother, Armando Rodriguez; and nephew, Terrence Starling. He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Marie Burge (Farley); and his son, Ernest Rodriguez V.; granddaughters, Noelle Burge, Caroline Burge Simms (Christian); grandsons, David and James Rodriguez; brother, Dr. Michael Rodriguez (Marie); nephews and nieces, Sybil Starling, Signae Seiler (Matt), Michael Rodriguez, Dr. Abigail Rodriguez (Jack) and Alex Rodriguez; Isabella and Nicholas Starling; Gus and Simone Seiler, and longtime and beloved partner, Kitty Sebera.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Catholic High School Scholarship Fund, 1403 N. St. Marys Street, San Antonio, TX 78215.