Hector Antonio Rodriguez M.D.

HECTOR ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ, M.D., "Papa", 82, beloved Pasadena surgeon, passed away peacefully November 16 surrounded by loving family and friends. Dr. Rodriguez was a born June 13, 1922 in Ciego de Avila, Cuba, to Porfirio and Cheche Rodriguez. He is survived by his cherished wife of 52 years, Georgina Rodriguez, son Hector D. Rodriguez, M.D., daughter Mercedes Carrasco, son Jorge L. Rodriguez, M.D., brother Porfirio Rodriguez, D.D.S., sister Elena Garcia, and their loving families, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Elvita Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez was a devoted family man, gifted surgeon, fisherman, golfer, and proven leader with a great love of life. He lived a life of stellar achievement, yet was the most modest of men. He demonstrated tremendous personal courage and integrity, and his skill as a surgeon saved many lives. Papa was a rock of strength for his large family and many friends, and he will live on in their hearts. Dr. Rodriguez earned his medical degree from Havana Medical School in 1951, and he kept in touch with his fellow Los Tigres del `51 for 53 years. He completed his surgical residency in 1954 at Memorial Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. He and Georgina returned to Ciego de Avila, where he built a thriving obstetrics and general surgery practice. The people of Ciego de Avila still honor him. In 2003, they gave him an award for "altruistic labor...for all who sought his help." In 1969, the Rodriguez family had to leave their homeland of Cuba. Dr. Rodriguez had to start his professional life as a physician over again at the age of 47. When he arrived in Pasadena in 1969, he began working at Southmore Hospital as an orderly, and then surgical technician, while he studied to obtain his medical license in the United States. He was later elected to serve many terms as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at Southmore Hospital, and also elected Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Pasadena General Hospital. When Dr. Rodriguez retired in 1995, the surgical wing at Southmore Hospital was named after him in honor of "his achievements as an outstanding physician, community leader, and advocate for quality patient care." Three years after arriving in Pasadena, Dr. Rodriguez won the coveted George Waldron Surgical Award as the best surgical resident at Hermann Hospital "for outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty." Other achievements included winning the American Medical Association Physician Speaker Award for one of the first radio medical programs in the U.S., and being involved in setting up the LifeFlight Service at Hermann Hospital. June 21, 1995 was named "Dr. Hector Rodriguez Day" in Pasadena in honor of his "outstanding performance of duty." When word spread of Dr. Rodriguez' sudden illness, family, friends, colleagues, and patients converged on Bayshore Hospital, filling the ICU hallways and waiting rooms in an eloquent expression of the high regard he inspired. Pallbearers will be Hector A. Rodriguez, Leo A. Carrasco, James G. Carrasco, George A. Rodriguez, Keith W. Gammel, and Robert A. Lowe. Honorary pallbearers are Porfirio Rodriguez, M.D., Raul Garcia, M.D., Leoncio Carrasco Jr., Leoncio Carrasco Sr., Jose Lefran, Gabriel Lefran, D.D.S., Aristides Diaz, Hector Acin, Ruben Garcia, Jack Thomas, Ethel Goodwin, Robert Haden, M.D., Arnold Greenspan, M.D., Stephen Kaminski, M.D., Victor Tawadrose, M.D., Federico Angel, M.D., John Devine, M.D., Felix Rodriguez and Gayle Hendricks. A Visitation will be held Thursday, November 18 from 5-9p.m., with a Rosary at 7p.m., at Pasadena Funeral Chapel, 2203 Pasadena Blvd. Funeral services will be held at 2p.m. Friday, November 19, at Pasadena Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Grand View Memorial Park, 8051 Spencer Highway in Pasadena.