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Ariel Rodriguez US Army (Ret.)
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Ariel Rodriguez US Army (Ret.) Obituary
El Pas - On April 24, 2020, Col. Ariel Rodriguez US Army (Ret.) passed away after an extended illness. A native of Jayuya, Puerto Rico, son of Joaquin and Herminia Rodriguez, and a long time presence in the El Paso medical community, "Dr. Rod", as many of the residents who trained under him in the Army Medical Corps system of teaching hospital programs, referred to him, served many with his surgical talents and intuitive perspective on medicine and its applications for assisting people in distress.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dayton (Dayton, OH), Magna Cum Laude, enrolling at the age of 16, and went on to Medical School at St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1954. Next, was his internship at Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco, CA. and residency in General Surgery at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, CO. He held several leadership and residency training positions throughout his 30 plus Army Career. Among them, he was the chief surgeon assigned to the first MASH unit sent to Vietnam under the directive of President Kennedy in February, 1962. His assignments to various Army Teaching Hospitals as surgical chief included Fort Eustis, VA., El Paso, TX. Tripler Army Hospital, HI, Office of the Army Surgeon General, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
After initially retiring from his Army Service in 1973, he was appointed the first Regional Dean and Tenured Professor of Surgery at Texas Tech University School of Medicine branch in El Paso, precursor of the present-day Paul Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech University (1974-1976). He served in clinical and tenured professor of surgery positions not only at Texas Tech University, but also at the University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL. and in the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD.
In private practice in El Paso, in addition to addressing the surgical needs of those who sought his service, he was the lead surgeon in the successful separation of the co-joined twins and was the region's pediatric surgeon for many decades until he was coaxed back into the Uniform Health Service for another 6 years. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Haley Veterans Medical Center in Tampa, Fl.
Dr. Rodriguez was an accomplished surgeon, professor, medical professional, and military officer. He was also a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Paula Rodriguez; his children, Eduardo (Shy) Rodriguez; Carmen (Doug) Akerlund; Maria (Bo) Robinson; Agnes Rodriguez; Laura (Brian) Collier; and Steven (Christine) Rodriguez; his grandchildren, Jason Rodriguez, Stacey (Michael) Cicotello, Victoria Rodriguez, Zachary Collier, William and Corinne VandenDries, and his great grandson, John Rodriguez.
Other left to honor his memory include Carmen Rodriguez, Rocio Rodriguez, Astrid (Manuel) Martinez, Ray (Yolanda) Rodriguez, Gloria Pena, numerous nieces and nephews, and other loved ones.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, his cremains will be interred at a later date with full military honors at Fort Bliss Cemetery.
Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home West. Please visit our online registry at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.
El Coronel Ariel Rodríguez falleció el 24 de abril de 2020 tras una enfermedad prolongada. Originario de Jayuya, Puerto Rico, fue el hijo de Joaquín y Herminia Rodríguez, y contó con una larga presencia en la comunidad médica de El Paso. El "Dr. Rod "", como se referían a él muchos de los residentes capacitados con él en el sistema de enseñanza de programas hospitalarios del Cuerpo de Médicos del Ejército, sirvió a muchos con sus talentos quirúrgicos y su perspectiva intuitiva sobre medicina y sus aplicaciones para ayudar a las personas en dificultades. Obtuvo su título de licenciatura en Ciencias de la Universidad de Dayton (Dayton, OH), MagnaCum Laude, se matriculó a la edad de 16 años y estudió Medicina en la Universidad de San Luis, en St. Louis, MO. Obtuvo su doctorado en medicina en 1954. Luego, realizó su pasantía en el Letterman Army Hospital en San Francisco, CA. y su residencia en Cirugía General en el Fitzsimmons Army Hospital en Denver, CO. Ocupó varios puestos de capacitación de liderazgo y residencia a lo largo de sus más de 30 años de carrera en el Ejército. Entre ellos, fue el cirujano jefe asignado a la primera unidad de MASH enviada a Vietnam bajo la dirección del presidente Kennedy en febrero de 1962. Sus asignaciones a varios hospitales de enseñanza del ejército como jefe quirúrgico incluyeron Fort Eustis, VA, El Paso, TX, en Tripler Army Hospital, HI, Oficina del Cirujano General del Ejército, en El Pent, en Washington, DC. Después de retirarse inicialmente de su Servicio del Ejército en 1973, fue nombrado el primer Decano Regional y Profesor Titular de Cirugía en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Tecnológica de Texas sucursal en El Paso, precursor de la actual Escuela de Medicina Paul Foster de la Universidad Tecnológica de Texas (1974-1976). Se desempeñó como profesor clínico y titular de puestos de cirugía no solo en la Universidad Tecnológica de Texas, sino también en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad del Sur de Florida, Tampa, FL. y en los Servicios Uniformados de la Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud en Bethesda, MD. En la práctica privada en El Paso, además de atender las necesidades quirúrgicas de quienes solicitaron su servicio, fue el cirujano principal en la separación exitosa de los gemelos unidos y fue el cirujano pediátrico de la región durante muchas décadas hasta que lo persuadieron nuevamente al Servicio de Salud Uniforme por otros seis años. También se desempeñó como Subjefe de Personal en el Centro Médico de Veteranos Haley en Tampa, Florida. Rodríguez fue un cirujano consumado, profesor, profesional médico y oficial militar. También fue un gran esposo, padre, abuelo y bisabuelo. Le sobrevive su esposa, Paula Rodríguez; sus hijos: Eduardo (Shy) Rodríguez; Carmen (Doug) Akerlund; Maria (Bo) Robinson; Agnes Rodríguez; Laura (Brian) Collier y Steven (Christine) Rodríguez. Le sobreviven sus nietos: Jason Rodríguez, Stacey (Michael) Cicotello, Victoria Rodríguez, Zachary Collier, William y Corinne VandenDries, y su bisnieto, John Rodríguez. Otros para honrar su memoria incluyen a Carmen Rodríguez, Rocío Rodríguez, Astrid (Manuel) Martínez, Ray (Yolanda) Rodríguez, Gloria Peña, numerosas sobrinas y sobrinos y otros seres queridos. Debido a las restricciones del Covid-19, sus restos cremados serán enterrados en una fecha posterior con todos los honores militares en el cementerio nacional de Fort Bliss. Servicios otorgados por Sunset Funeral Home West. Por favor, visite nuestro registro en línea en www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ariel Rodriguez US Army (Ret.)
Sponsored by ElPasoTimes.com.
Laura Collier
April 22, 2025
Year 5 since you left this world, and the void is still huge! You are loved and missed more than you will ever know. Love you Dad to infinity and beyond. Your Little Mother
Maria
April 22, 2024
This day in unrest,
Pulls hearts from our chests.
Like a hollowed nest,
Once song filled with guests.
He came and he stood,
As no one else could.
In Father, soldier, and Doctor's hoods.
Investing his life in all , to make good.
He now rests entombed,
In Arlington's womb.
With countless rowed soldiers,
Whose memories loom.
Four years we now miss,
The wit of his grist.
His laughter and kiss,
Once again reminisced.
With great love,
Moria
Laura Collier
April 21, 2024
I cannot believe 4 years have gone by. You are always remembered and tears still flow. I miss you dad more than ever. Life will never be the same without you here. Love you. Say hello to God for me The little mother
Laura
June 29, 2023
Hey Dad. I am feeling your absence significantly today. I think of you often and miss you beyond words.
Maria
April 23, 2023
This three year absence
Makes my heart yearn to know,
Why does a great soul,
Vanish through a black hole.
While we weep in silence,
With emptiness hence,
Wishing voids could be filled,
By a sign recompense.
We might hear him say,
That it shudders the day.
To grieve in dismay,
As his breath gave way.
Remember we do,
The greatest DadDU!
His palpable love,
Pierces all from Above!
In loving memory
Now and always,
Your daughter Maria
Laura Collier
April 21, 2021
Dad, I can't believe the year anniversary of your demise is already upon us. It seems like yesterday and an eternity all at one time. Your absence is felt daily. I miss hearing your response of ,"not bad for an old guy" when I ask you how you are. I miss squishing you and knowing you are just a phone call away. I love you and miss you so much!
Linda Quiroga
May 9, 2020
I just learned of Dr. Ariel Rodriguez and am saddened by his passing, I just need to let his wife and children know that I am 86 years old and thanks to Dr Rodriguez I'm alive today back in 1976 he was my Doctor along with Dr. Harris and Dr. Gary Schabacker after a crucial surgery I was dying of complications, he was the one to find the problem and was able to save my life. Sorry for this note but I needed to pay my most grateful and sincere condolences to his family and let you know what a great man he was May he Rest In Peace
May 7, 2020
SUNSET FUNERAL HOMES
MA
Maria
a day ago
As one of his devoted children, I can say without doubt, having him as a father was more than a remmarkable experience.
My Daddu, as I called him, was inspiring on so many levels. He was devoted to his family, to an exemplary degree. He had a passion for song, Spanish guitar, a very dry martini, and fine food and wine. He explored gourmet food preparation, and was always willing to bring the party home!
His knowledge extended far and wide, on just about any topic, so we had a built in mentor ,tutor for homework. He always had a quip or bit of witty wisdom to lighten the load during darker days. He was " safe harbor" to this family and many others.
He is forever in my heart, as I quote him somewhere, everyday. He is greatly missed, and life truly is changed forever by his absence. I know his soul is soaring! Thank you my Daddu. All my love, and the love of your "Outlaw son,,",,, " Painful and Bo."
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Agnes Rodriguez
an hour ago
What lovely words of tribute to Dad. Words still fail me, but I'm glad you found them, and so eloquently said. Thank you. And thank you, Dad. :heart::x::o:
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Bonnie Weikel
May 5, 2020
Dear Paula,
Allen and I were saddened to read of Ariel's passing. He was a good man and an excellent surgeon. He always seemed cheerful and happy. I still remember the day the two of you came to my office to tell me that you were getting married! I was so excited for both of you.
I know that this is a sad time, unfortunately part of the life cycle. I hope that you can be comforted by all the many years you had together.
Our love to you,
Bonnie and Allen Weikel
College Station, TX
Nancy Lloyd
May 3, 2020
Dear Paula and Family: I knew he was a great man who worked with us at the James A Haley VA Hospital in Tampa. But after reading his exemplary accomplishments before he joined us, it's been a privilege and honor to have met him and his wonderful family. My heartfelt sympathy to you and all your family.
Charlene Lloveras M.D.
May 1, 2020
Rest In Peace Dr. Rodriguez. Condolences to the family, he was a great person and accomplished so much during his lifetime.
Dora L Rivera Rodríguez
May 1, 2020
Familia;
El recuerdo que tengo del tío Ariel es limitado porque no lo veía con mucha frecuencia obviamente por estar él en sus quehaceres profesionales y de vida en general. Sin embargo, las veces que coincidí con él en dus visitas a PR, siendo yo una niña aún, me supo dejar una impresión muy agradable, la que deja quien lleva
nobleza en el alma. Vá mi mensaje en nombre de mi mamá, su prima hermana, hija de Nano, quien me consta que le tenía amor profundo. y que muy a menudo lo mencionaba, con admiración y alegría. Ariel la bautizó como Doíta , cosa que ella siempre celebró. Mi abrazo a toda la familia en mi nombre y en el de mi mamá Dora Pilar Rodríguez Kissell. En paz descanse su alma.
May 1, 2020
Paula, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Eileen Kukich
Maria Crowder
May 1, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Luis Cortez
May 1, 2020
Eddie, so sorry for your loss. He was a very distinguished gentleman who will be missed by many. God Bless you and your family!
Julio and Ana Ortiz
April 30, 2020
A great role model and mentor! Very generous and superb teacher! Was wonderful to spend time with him during my tour as Chief of Plastic Surgery and Residency Program Director at Wm Beaumont AMC in El Paso,Tx from 1989-91.
Will be sorely missed!
Julio and Ana Ortiz Col. MC (Ret)
Rafael Rodríguez
April 30, 2020
Ariel, desde pequeño escuché tu nombre mencionado por papi, Patoño. Fuiste como un hermano para él. Hoy ya gozan de la verdad de la vida eterna. Dios te brinde el Paraíso por una vida al servicio de los demás. Gracias por tus acertados consejos médicos en el caso de una de mis hijas. De Mameyes al mundo un jíbaro partió y por doquier huellas de servicio dejó. Lograste llegar alto alto y sin duda enorgulleces el linaje de los Rodríguez. A Viva, Chiqui y Cuqui... un abrazo.
Oren Ellis
April 30, 2020
Paula, please let me know when the interment will occur as I would like to attend. Al operated our young son, not yet 2 y.o., (herniorrhaphy) and I always had so much respect for Al, and you in surgery as well: both of you nice friendships for me.
Love,
Oren Ellis (505 660 3558 or
Angie Moyer
April 30, 2020
Eddie and Shy
My heartfelt sympathies to the whole family. I wish I could have met him; he was an amazing man. You are all in my prayers.
Ray Rodriguez
April 30, 2020
He was the benchmark of our family and always held to the rest of the numerous cousins as the example to follow. My father (Gago) was his favorite uncle and he and my Mom (Mina) visited him in his may different domiciles through his career. He was a great help with my son Joaquin, and we enjoyed many visits with him and Paulita, from Tampa, Hawaii, Washington, El Paso and Tucson. Our last visit was this March, where Joaquin, Lisa and Yolanda and I shared meals and visits with he and Paulita. Will always remember the "epic" domino games with he and my Dad, and how he caught us cheating and threatened to run us out of the house. His counsel and private conversations, late in our lives, will always be remembered. Rest in peace, my brother.
Pam and Terry Dowd
April 30, 2020
Carmen, thinking of you and your Family at this difficult time. He lived an amazing life and gave to so many. A real leader and a left a legacy of caring leadership.
Gloria Valdespino
April 30, 2020
Eddie and Shy so sorry for your great loss. Prayers are with you all during this difficult times. God Bless.
Lynn Brooks
April 30, 2020
Ariel, you were bigger than life, always encouraging, a true friend, loyal and an example for us all. You loved life, loved people, and held us to high standards. You helped countless students, friends and colleagues, often without being asked or without it being known. Our world is a much better place because you were here. You are loved and will be greatly missed.
Joan Johnson
April 29, 2020
Paula I am so sorry to see this news. Dr. Rodriquez was a great surgeon and a very nice man. Praying that God will comfort you and his children in this very sad time and give you peace.
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