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JOHN RODRIGS Obituary
John Stephen Rodrigs born November 14, 1938, went to be with the lord on December 1, 2010. He attended Our Lady Of Mercy elementary school and graduated Merced High School. John was a member of the Merced County Sheriff's Department for 31 years and reluctantly retired with his loving nick name "The Rock". After retiring, there was no slowing him down so he went out and bought himself a special toy, and started Rodrigs Backhoe Service. He LOVED being outdoors and tinkering in his shop with his many projects. He loved all sports and really enjoyed watching NASCAR and traveling in his motorhome to watch racing with his daughter Lisa and son in law Pete. On any given weekend you would find him cheering on his grandchildren or great grandchildren at one of their many sporting events. The kids were always sure to see his smiling face or hear his encouraging words. FAMILY was the foundation to all that he lived for.
He is survived by his loving and supportive wife Ann of 33 years . His devoted daughter Lisa Macias (Pete), Steve Rodrigs (Barbara), Leslie Torres (Danny), step children Chuck Gregory (Dolores), Beth Moreno (Mario), Debbie Crawford (James), and Robert Gregory. His sister, Clara Rodrigues and brothers Frank Rodrigs and Curt Rodrigs. He was blessed with 23 Grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren all of whom will desperately miss their PAPA. He was a man of honor and dignity and believed and lived by his word. John was respected, loved and admired by all who knew him and his sense of humor and hearty laugh will be remembered by all.
Private Graveside Services will be held at John's request. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 11am - 3pm at The Masonic Lodge in Merced, Ca. 95340 at 1810 M' & 18th Streets. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the LIFE of John. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson Family Funeral Home in Atwater. In lieu of flowers Please donate to the American Cancer Society or those wishing to memorialize John, may contribute towards the John Rodrigs Scholarship fund, through Citibank in Atwater, wherein the proceeds will create an endowment to benefit students attending Ballico/Cressey School District. His greatest wish was to see a new sports gymnasium built for the children in the community.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN RODRIGS
Vicki Lindoerfer
December 19, 2010
To the entire Rodrigs family,
I just recently heard of John's passing. He was a wonderful man...always kind-hearted...and loving. You will all be in my prayers.
Much love,
Vicki Vogt Rodrigs Lindoerfer
December 19, 2010
To the entire Rodrigs family,
I just recently heard of John's passing. He was a wonderful man...always kind-hearted...and loving. You will all be in my prayers.
Much love,
Vicki Vogt Rodrigs Lindoerfer
December 19, 2010
To the entire Rodrigs family,
I just recently heard of John's passing. He was a wonderful man...always kind-hearted...and loving. You will all be in my prayers
December 9, 2010
Ann & family;
Our toughts and prayers are with all of you. We remember John from coming out to the college to exercise with us, he was often in our thoughts and in the stories being told. He will be missed by all.
Roger, Colleen & "The Stretchies"
Julie Devlin
December 8, 2010
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you. Pat, Julie and Zachary
MaryJane Etchegaray
December 8, 2010
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Becky Vieyra
December 7, 2010
There are no words.... I will always remember his smile and your wonderful-loving words of John. My deepest sympathy goes out to all who loved him.
Leon Gomes
December 6, 2010
John "The Rock" Rodrigs was the first patrol sergeant that I worked under when I was a deputy sheriff. He earned his nickname as a tough yet caring patrol supervisor. His first concern was always for our safety and security. That concern would usually come in the form of a well-placed “butt chewing” if we did anything that put ourselves or another deputy at risk. He had my utmost respect because you always knew where he stood.
My sincere condolences are extended to his family.
Merced County Correctional Officer
Mike Sofranek
December 5, 2010
I came to know John Rodrigs Aka ‘The Rock� as a new correctional officer working the jail. I heard the war stories about “The Rock� and if I ever saw the vein sticking out on John’s neck that’s when you knew he was angry.
In those days the patrol deputies and the officers that worked the jail did not associate but I can remember John going out of his way to welcome me to Control One which is the designation for the sheriffs department among local law enforcement agencies.
John had a very different side to him that was the complete opposite of his nickname. When John retired I missed seeing him and being able to talk to him.
To Johns family you all were very lucky to have this special man in your life.
Michael Sofranek
Merced County Sheriffs Department
Corrections Division
1977 - 2004
F. Roger Nelson
December 5, 2010
Many fond memorie`s and a long time friend, You will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the family ....Roger nelson, Nashville Tn.
Nova Pimentel
December 4, 2010
To Steve and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you.
Sincerely,
Manuel Pimentel from PEP BOYS and daughter Nova Pimentel
Bill & Linda Miles
December 4, 2010
Dear Lisa & Pete, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that your Dad is now at rest with the Lord. Take care and know that we are only a phone call away. Our Love,
Jerry Brockman
December 4, 2010
Ann, as I said before if there is anything needed please call and yes I will also miss the ROCK.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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