Cleto Rodriguez Jr.

Cleto Rodriguez Jr. was born in San Antonio, Texas on August 5, 1946, he lived a life defined by hard work, service, strength and love for his family. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he bravely served his country during the Vietnam War. He carried with him the discipline and resilience that helped define him throughout his life. Beyond his military service, he was passionate about many things. One of those was bodybuilding. He enjoyed challenging himself and was determined to always grow stronger, both in body and spirit.

Additionally, he was a true scholar at heart, he had deep respect for learning and valued knowledge. He had a sharp business mind and would share his knowledge with family and friends. As a student at St. Philips College, he studied both architecture and philosophy.

Cleto also found joy in watching classic westerns that reminded him of timeless values like honor, loyalty, and resilience. These movies reflected hard work and standing tall in one’s beliefs. Values that Cleto held near and dear to his heart.

Moreover, Cleto loved collecting coins which he found joy in the history each piece carried. His interest in psychology reflected his desire to understand people and to learn more about the human mind and the way it shapes us.

In quieter moments, he enjoyed the art of building model airplanes and tanks. With great patience and a steady hand, he created works of art that reflected his love of craftsmanship and detail. His craftsmanship spoke of his focus and creativity.

When he was not watching westerns, reading, collecting coins, or building models, he could be found in the yard carefully tending to the landscape. Whether planting or enjoying the greenery, he took pride in creating beauty in his surroundings.

Lastly and certainly not least, Cleto was a proud graduate of the class of 1966 from Thomas Jefferson High School. As a Mighty Mustang, he participated in many sports including football and track and field.

Cleto will be remembered for his selfless nature, wisdom, and the way he approached life with both care and curiosity.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Neri M. Rodriguez; his parents, Cleto L. and Flora Rodriguez; his brother, Joe Rodriguez; his sisters-in-law, Christina Rodriguez, Bertha P. Gonzalez, and Olga Garza; and his brothers-in-law, Edmundo Vicente Garza Sr.,and Lionel Martinez.

He is survived by his daughter, Yvette M. Hernandez and husband Armando S. Hernandez; sons, Cleto M. Rodriguez III and wife Lynette Rodriguez, and Anthony M. Rodriguez; sisters, Mary Pfenning, and Betty J. Stewart and husband Charles Stewart; grandchildren, Robert, Christian, Joseph, Gabi, Malorie, Dallas, Samuel, Matthew, Eli, Boston, and Joselyn; extended family and friends. His presence in our lives will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a 6:00 PM rosary at Hillcrest Funeral Home. You may join us for the livestreaming of the rosary at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaVJ-_OOv6eXfc4Wh5SQ-NQ 

Procession will depart Hillcrest on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM for a 9:30 AM mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery for an 11:30 AM committal service in shelter #3.