Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary Inc. - San Lorenzo

267 E. Lewelling Blvd.

San Lorenzo, California

JOHN RODRIGUEZ Obituary

John Joseph Rodriguez, longtime resident of Hayward, CA, passed on Monday, September 12, 2016. John was born in Fresno, CA, to Joe and Celia Rodriguez, on February 8, 1949. John was an athlete as a youth, excelling at football, baseball and wrestling and participating in varsity sports at McLane High School in Fresno, CA. He was an avid golfer throughout his life and loved fishing in Alaska with his Army National Guard buddies. John was a huge San Francisco 49er fan and longtime season ticket holder. He also took many memorable Super Bowl trips around the country. John was very well respected professionally, working with the Regional Center of the East Bay for 35 years. He was known to be a passionate advocate for the underrepresented and minority developmentally disabled clients with whom he worked. John was also a veteran of the AVCRAD unit of the California Army National Guard in Fresno. John is survived by his loving wife Stephanie. They were married on September 26, 1972. This year was their 44th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his three children and families, John and Cathleen Rodriguez, Donald and Lea Morrow, and Casey Rodriguez. John was adored by his six grandchildren, Isabella, John Gerald, Donald, Kylie, Elise and Sophia. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, David and Jenny Rodriguez. John loved his large family and had hundreds of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins who were dear to him. A Viewing will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cahtolic Church, 703 C St., Union City, CA on Thursday, September 15, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. followed with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church on Friday, September 16, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. A Burial with Military Honors will be held privately. Donations may be made to Helping Hand Fund, c/o Regional Center of the East Bay, 500 Davis St., San Leandro, CA 94577.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Sep. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN RODRIGUEZ

Not sure what to say?





Sheila White

September 8, 2020

John was more than a supervisor, he was a friend. A person who you could trust to hear you when you had a concern and provide sound, compassionate and down to earth sensible advice. He is and will forever be missed.

Sabe Hundenski

September 7, 2020

John was a wonderful person, friend and Supervisor. He was a great joker and had a strong sense of humor, an infectious laugh. I am honored to have worked with him.

Guadalupe Pacheco

September 6, 2020

When you lose a good friend like John & personally, I can only appreciate the good memories that we had together as buddies’ & as professional colleagues. We were both pioneers as Latinos in our professional careers. John’s legacy & his spirit lives on with his family & with his friends. God Bless you Stephanie.

September 20, 2016

Dear Stephanie and Family,

John was an amazing mentor, so compassionate and kind and always so willing to share his wealth of knowledge. He will be missed by all! Our sincere condolences to you and your family!

Sincerely,

Tamy Ratto

Juli & Jeff Fountain

September 18, 2016

Stephanie and Family,
We were all so blessed to have known John. He was an amazing leader, mentor, advocate and friend. I have so many cherished memories of John and all the lovely things he did. I know you have so many more to hold in your hearts. We will miss John. Thank you for sharing him with us for so long. Love and Hugs to each of you.

Juli & Jeff Fountain

Lisa Rose

September 17, 2016

Dear Stephanie
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of John. I will pray that God gives your family strength during this most difficult time.
Love Always
Lisa

Elizabeth Jarvis

September 16, 2016

I am deeply sorry for your loss. John was a giant among men. He did So Much for developmentally disabled people, He was a joy and an inspiration to work with at Regional Center. He will be profoundly missed.

Nora, John and Matthew Meyer

September 16, 2016

Stephanie and family,
Our hearts are filled with sadness for you, your family and the rest of the family. I hope the fond memories of John will comfort all of you during this hard time. Words however kind can't ease your heartache but know that we all care for you and share in your grief. Stay strong and let us know if we can do anything to help you in any way.

Danny Sadler

September 16, 2016

John, we did enjoy our times fishing and sightseeing in Alaska with Charlie and friends.

September 16, 2016

Stephanie (and the rest of the Rodriguez family) -
Mi mas sentido pésame, my heartfelt condolences, on John's passing.
-Jennifer Massie (former RCEB case manager)

Karen Shuttleworth

September 15, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Rodriguez Family. John, with his strong integrity & moral character, made him a well respected man in the community and at RCEB. His passing leaves us all heartbroken and he will be sorely missed.
Rest In Peace John.

Vera Nourian

September 15, 2016

I'm so sorry for the Lost of John . He was a wonderful person I had great memories and great times with both of you miss you dearly if you're ever in Fresno please look me up on Facebook I would love to see you and your family love you lots and always on my mind Vera nourian

John Eropkin

September 15, 2016

Stephanie and family. Having known John since our days at Yosemite Jr. HS and McLane HS, I have fond memories of him during this time. He was a special person!
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.

kim limato

September 15, 2016

John was a mentor, beloved advocate, celebrated social worker. I will never forget the many times he provided me with his wisdom; wisdom I carry with me daily while working on behalf of those who's voice is many times not heard. John was an incredible person and I loved him dearly. God Bless the Rodriguez family and John in Heaven.

Junelle Aslanian/Avedisian

September 15, 2016

As a classmate of John from McLane I extend my deepest sympathy to his whole family. He was a great guy and very well liked in school. I know he helped many through his career. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. RIP JOHN❤

Lily Trinos

September 15, 2016

John is a big loss...an advocate, a family man, a leader, a friend! May you rest in the comforting arms of the Lord.
My deepest condolences to Stephanie and the entire Rodriguez family.

Sabe Hundenski

September 14, 2016

Thank you Stephanie for sharing John with us at RCEB. He will forever shine as the brightest light in our hearts and minds. I hope you find peace in his memory .

With love for you and your family,
Sabe Hundenski

Guadalupe Pacheco

September 14, 2016

Stepanie,
Linda and I are so sorry for your loss (and ours too). John was a wonderful friend through the years. As you well know, my friendship with John began back in 1974 during our studies school in the School of Social Work. We continued this journey of fellowship up until his recent passing. I considered John more as a brother rather than just a friend. His journey in life was cut short but his legacy lives on with you and your beautiful children and grandchildren. May he rest in peace and God Bless! Guadalupe and Linda Pacheco

Theresa Singh Janklow

September 14, 2016

Dear Stephanie,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. May you, your children and grandchildren find comfort and strength during this difficult time. I will always remember how quick John was in sharing a wonderful smile. He was a wonderful advocate and will be missed. Sending a huge hug to you. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Mai Hong

September 14, 2016

There are no words that fill the void of this great loss. I loved most about John was his love of family, his strength was in warmth and caring of other, like when the hot days him and Sam walking around and past out Ice cream to us, he always left me a bags of candies to shared to everyone special when he needs one he know where to get it, Stephanie remember I'm his work girlfriend. I love you and always here for you for anything you need. You and family in my prayes, wish you comfort and peace.
Mai Hong

Jeanel Ingram

September 14, 2016

John was an amazing friend and mentor. I will always remember him in that capacity. The world was truly better for having him in it my heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest well dear friend.

Kim Jennett

September 14, 2016

Stephanie,
There are no words that fill the void of this great loss. What I loved most about John was his love of family. Watching him with his grandchildren, the way he looked at you, the joy in his face when he was with his kids. His strength was in his warmth and caring of others. I don't have to tell you how much he will be missed. Please know that your friendship has been such a blessing to myself and Mike. We love you, and are here for you for anything you need.

--Kim & Mike Jennett

September 14, 2016

Stephanie and family: We wish you comfort and peace. Losing a loved one especially your spouse is hard. Know that the love of your family and your Heavenly Father will see you through the hard time.
Richard & Eileen Bernier

Gilbert & Julia Aguilar

September 13, 2016

Stephanie,
We send our love and heartfelt condolences to you and the family. We loved John and will miss him. Our prayers are with you. Please know we are here for you. God bless you and may John rest in peace.

Irene (larry sanchez) Garcia

September 13, 2016

Stephanie,
It was a pleasure getting to know John at the occasional family get together. He was fun to talk to and made me feel welcome to the family. I send my condolences and a big hug along with my prayers that God would always keep him in his loving embrace.

Mony Flores-Bauer

September 13, 2016

I am not sure how to believe that this is true. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of John's family. John was a colleague and a friend of the best kind and more than that he was devoted to his family. May he rest in the peace he so deserves.

Keandra Ellis

September 13, 2016

To Stephanie Rodriguez and Family
I'm so sorry to hear the lost of your loved one John, he was a goog guy here at RCEB, He will be missed by all freinds, co-workers and Family. May god continue to comfort you during your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.He is at peace now, and will always remain in our hearts.

Daniel Seda

September 13, 2016

What a loss. May John's spirit of humor, honesty, fierce advocacy, and availability live on forever. We will miss you. Condolences to the Rodriguez family.

Sheila White

September 13, 2016

Stephanie, John Eric, Lea, Casey and grandchildren, John will be eternally remembered and forever missed. May his love and devotion surround and be with you always.

Chrissy Moy

September 13, 2016

John you will always be in my heart. I will treasure all the wonderful memories you have given me and so many others who have been blessed to know you and the family. With love and sympathy,

September 13, 2016

Dear Stephanie and family,
I'm sorry about John's passing, and all of us from RCEB have heavy hearts about our old, dear buddy.
I wished he could have had many more years of retirement to spend with you all.
You are all in my thoughts. John was loving and special, and will never been forgotten.
Love and sympathy,
Adele Fukuba

Joanna Riquelme

September 13, 2016

It saddens me to see this, but what a wonderful and special spirit he was. My condolences to all of his loved ones. Prayers and Blessings,

May you all find the faith and strength needed during this time,

Eileen & Mike Farrell

September 12, 2016

Remember the smiles... Cherish the moments... Find comfort in memories...Thinking of you and hoping that time will bring you comfort.

Wishing you comfort, peace, and the blessing of memories as you mourn your loss.

Our sympathy and love,
Eileen & Mike Farrell

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

Make a Donation
in JOHN RODRIGUEZ's name

Memorial Events
for JOHN RODRIGUEZ

Sep

15

Viewing

5:00 p.m.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church

703 C St., Union City, CA

Sep

15

Vigil

7:00 p.m.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church

703 C St., Union City, CA

Sep

16

Funeral

10:00 a.m.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church

703 C St., Union City, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary Inc. - San Lorenzo

267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, CA 94580

How to support JOHN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor JOHN RODRIGUEZ's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more