Willie Rodrigues

Willie "Bill" Rodrigues

Resident of Santa Clara

9/20/1924 - 10/13/2010

Bill's strong-will and faith enabled him to courageously conquer cancer at age 85. Shortly after celebrating his 86th birthday, Bill succumbed to health complications.

Bill is survived by his wife Efigenia "Effie," eldest brother Anthony Rodrigues, sister Mary Jane Souza, and numerous nieces & nephews. He was loved as a father by his nieces Carol Pluff, Terri Szczotka & Gail Quinn and known as Grandpa to their children. Bill was predeceased by his parents Antonio & Ephegenia Rodrigues and brother Victor Rodrigues.

In 1915, Bill's parents immigrated to the United States from Madeira, Portugal. Bill was born on September 20, 1924 in San Jose, California. The Rodrigues Family settled in the Santa Clara Valley and became one of the early farming families growing pears until the late 1960's.

As a young man Bill loved to dance and became a familiar face at Portuguese festivals throughout Northern California. Ever proud of his Portuguese heritage Bill was a supporting member of the SES Corporation and the Club Sport Maritimo.

During WWII, Bill served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater. Most recently he was a member of the American Legion Santa Clara Post 419.

In 1953 Bill visited Madeira, Portugal, where he met his beloved Effie with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage. As the Valley of the Hearts Delight transitioned to Silicon Valley, Bill owned a trucking business and later worked for Peninsula Crane and Rigging until he retired in 1983.

Bill was happiest at family gatherings or sitting with his dogs watching his favorite sporting events on TV. He had a warm, wonderful sense of humor and like an era now past, he will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bill Rodrigues to the Carmelite Monastery, 1000 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

Visitation Thursday 10/21 at 6PM and Rosary at 7PM at Lima Family Santa Clara, 466 N. Winchester Blvd. Funeral Service Friday 10/22 at 11AM at St. Clare Church, 941 Lexington St., Santa Clara. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission. Condolences may be offered at www.limafamilysc.com