Dr. Mario Rodriguez

1932 - 2022

Dr. Mario Santos Rodriguez, age 89, of Metairie, Louisiana passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2022, with his loving family by his side. Mario was born in Pasay City, Philippines on November 16, 1932. He is preceded in death by his parents, the late Josefa Santos Rodriguez, and Jose D. Rodriguez, his daughter, Nancy Rodriguez, and his brother, Pio Rodriguez. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Lena Noel Rodriguez, children, Regina Rodriguez Howe (Barry), Maria Rodriguez, and Jose Rodriguez (Birgita), his step-children Nicholas Licciardi, Jr., (Muriel), Jennifer Millioto (Chad), Catherine Burgess (Anthony Sr.), Lynda Dufour (Bryan), and Rebecca Easley (Christopher), 19 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, close friends, and colleagues. Mario graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1958 earning his dental degree, afterwards, he came to America in 1958 to do his graduate work at Georgetown University earning his Ph.D. in biochemistry. Upon graduation, he moved to Louisiana and taught at the Loyola University of New Orleans for several years before opening the LSU School of Dentistry as a Professor of Periodontics where he taught for 37 years. He retired as a Lt. Colonel after 27 years of service in the Army Reserves. He was the founding president of the PAUCLA, additionally, he was a member of the Louisiana Chess Association where he participated in numerous tournaments and was nationally ranked. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for nearly 25 years, where he worked tirelessly on his family's genealogy. He enjoyed going to Jazz Fest, gardening, playing chess, and spending time with his wife and family. He will dearly be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Visitation with the family will take place on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 10:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5025 Cleveland Place, Metairie, Louisiana with a Memorial Service beginning at 1:00 pm. A private family inurnment will follow at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com for the Rodriguez family.