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Manuel Rodriguez Obituary
1951-2017
Manuel Rodriguez, Jr. 65, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. He was born in Houston, Texas on September 08,1951 to Manuel Rodriguez, Sr. and Maria Silva Rodriguez. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Virginia Rodriguez and their four children and their spouses, Regina and Raul Cantu, Anthony and Melissa Rodriguez, Angelina and Lupe Perez, Andrea and Marcellos Seale. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses; Victor and Patricia Rodriguez, Martha and Joe Moravek, Hilda Sabillon, and Linda Lopez. He also leaves behind his 7 cherished grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Manuel Rodríguez, Jr. graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1970 after attending both Franklin Elementary and McReynolds Middle schools. A lifelong public servant, he served in the U.S.Air Force, worked as a community-relations specialist in the City of Houston, and was the founder of the MAARVA Corp., which provides assistance in education, housing, and community involvement. Manuel Rodriguez, Jr. was elected to the Houston Independent School District Board of Education in 2003 and held every office, including assistant secretary, second vice president, first vice president, and in 2016, president.
On Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, visitation will begin at 5pm with testimonials at 6pm and a rosary at 8pm at Crespo Funeral Home-Broadway, 4136 Broadway St., Houston, TX 77087. The funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, at 10am at St. Christopher's Catholic Church, 8150 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX 77017 with procession immediately following the mass to the Houston National Cemetery for a committal service at 12:30 - 1pm at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX, 77038.
Manuel Rodriguez, Jr.'s legacy lives on not only in our communities and schools, but also in the lives of others that were touched by his never-ending generosity as an organ donor. We as a family are following his example and ask that you consider doing the same by offering such a precious gift of continued life.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established and at the request of the family please contribute to the Manuel Rodriguez, Jr. S.T.E.A.M. on to Lead and Inspire Memorial Scholarship Fund. For further information, send inquiries to his eldest daughter, Regina Cantu at [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Manuel Rodriguez
Sponsored by Funeraria del Angel Crespo - Broadway.
Sylvia Gutierrez
August 4, 2017
Our deepest condolences to Virginia and family. Manuel loved life, family and his community and always strived to provide the best for everyone. He is now resting peacefully in the arms of our Heavenly Father. He will be dearly missed.
Marcelo and Sylvia Gutierrez
Norma Sanchez Rodriguez
August 3, 2017
I'm very sorry to hear the loss of a good man husband father grandfather friend my prayers are with you and your family he will be missed by many people but now he's in heaven continuing his work with the angels
August 3, 2017
Manuel was a great community leader that was always willing to help others.
He will be missed.
Sonny Flores
Jo Aragon
August 2, 2017
Ginny and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss (our loss). I was fortunate to know Manuel 10 years and share in his passion for education. He DID make a difference. And, you weren't around him very long without seeing the love for his beautiful wife and family. Manuel, I'll miss you.
Cassandra Shorter
July 31, 2017
Manuel you were truly a family man. Each time that I saw you, you had a mission and a smile. Your mission will continue in your new home and your smile will be embedded into each of our hearts. Virginia, you and the children will always be in my prayers.
July 31, 2017
Thank you, Manuel, for being so involved in many school activities and working diligently to bring SFA alumni together. You truly made a difference by caring and acting on your concerns. You will be sorely missed. Rest with the angels, my friend.
Laura McDonald Hiraoka. SFA '70
July 31, 2017
Many of us in exceptional leadership positions know what it is like to know an outstanding and dedicated public servant like Mr. Rodriguez. When we loose one of our own a part of us is missing and because of that even in death Mr. Rodriguez continues to show us the way. We will forever be thankful and we move forward with not only memories but experience he gave us all as we continue to serve our community, our family and our nation. We are all better because of this great man.
Juan Rangel
July 31, 2017
Manuel you will be truly missed, you were a great man and a good friend to David and me. We will always remember you and your laughter. David & Debbie Hernandez
Larry Savala
July 30, 2017
Thank you Manuel for the life you showed me of a good family man. I will miss you my friend. Your family will be loved also as they are surrounded by relatives and friends.
Julie Torres
July 30, 2017
RIP my friend. We were joined as friends from high school, may GOD open the gates of Heaven for you my friend. RIP
Blanca Sanchez
July 30, 2017
My prayers are with Mr. Rodriguez and his family. May he rest in peace. I will always remember him from Southmayd and Sanchez Elementary Schools when he used to go to the PTA meetings and talk about the rights for our children.
Joe Dominguez
July 30, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers for the Rodriguez family from Yolanda and Joe Dominguez and SFA community.
July 30, 2017
My condolences to family and friends. Take time to grieve and celebrate a life well-lived. The loss of a loved one is truly difficult no matter how long we have them with us, but remember Almighty God promises to be near to all those calling on him (Psalm 145:18)
Billy Reagan
July 27, 2017
Manuel was a true servant of God....He has touched the lives of millions of young people in his service as a School Board Member in the Houston Independent School District and the many educational organizations in which he served.......see you at the Big School Board Meeting in the Sky....Billy
N and R Pichardo
July 26, 2017
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Manuel. It was an honor to have known such a great person and we will truly miss him. May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time. ❤❤
Anngelo Murillo
July 26, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mary Castillo
July 25, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Rodriguez family. He was always present at all Milby events. I thank him for loving the HISD students, his main priority. I promise Manuel that I will be sure the two projects that you were working for Milby will be done. The swimming pool and you had found extra monies also to fix the fields at Barnett Stadium, that way the Milby Baseball team does not have to go all the way to Butler. Barnett has always been our home field. To his wife and children. I thank you for sharing this great person with all of us. Keeping you in my prayers.
Mary Castillo
Proud Milby Buff - Class of 1961
Suzanne Harrison
July 25, 2017
Such fond memories of Manuel. He was a decent and compassionate spirit who got along with everyone and was enjoyable to work with. He was all about doing the "right thing" for the students of HISD. May his life be a reminder to us that one person CAN make a difference. With faith, love and support for the Rodriguez family. I am glad Manuel touched my life.
Richard Farias
July 24, 2017
Manny was a great advocate for education and a great friend of the community. He cared deeply about early childhood education and was instrumental in enriching HISD's efforts. No one can replace Manny but we must continue his legacy. Our deepest condolences to his family and may he rest in peace. Richard & Rita Farias
Linda Flores Olson
July 24, 2017
Dear Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I always appreciated and honored my conversations with Manny about how we could make things better for our children. He was a champion for sure.
Jaime Yruegaz
July 24, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Rodriguez. I had the opportunity to speak with him only a few times but I still remember the professional demeanor in the way that he carried himself. It left a lasting impression on me. May God bless and comfort the Rodriguez family during this difficult time.
Janice Newsum
July 24, 2017
The Department of Library Services will always remember Trustee Rodriguez for his devotion to the Name That Book (NTB) contest as a judge and a supporter. Grace and peace to the Rodriguez family from GOD, our father and Christ Jesus.
Connie Ulloa
July 23, 2017
Ginny and family, I was very sad to hear about Manuel's passing my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Please give Gina, Jeannette's sympathies.
I am also very sorry about your father, Sylvia just told me that he passed away Monday. I know what a hard time this is for you and all of your family.
Our prayers are with you.
A heartfelt embrace.
Connie Oyervides (Ulloa)
Elias Sanchez-Perez
July 23, 2017
MROD was my road buddy. We went everywhere together. We shared many meals, millions of discussions, and thousands of meetings. Can't seem to realize that he is now gone to a much better place. He was truly dedicated to promoting Science Technology Engineering and Math to our community students to prepare them for skilled jobs which lead to higher wages and increased self esteem. In fact, he went out of his way to attend many STEM meetings with me. He leaves a big void, a huge vacuum, don't understand what God had in mind in calling him home.
July 22, 2017
My heart goes out to Manuel Rodriguez family. My deepest condolences.
My heart is heavy but my love for him rejoice.
I have to say good bye to a friend, and Trustee.
Things will not be the same without you Big Guy
I always will remember.
Marsha G. Clark
Maria Gonzales
July 22, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Rodriquez family. May you find comfort and peace in your memories and in knowing that you are wrapped in God's loving embrace.
Jose Hernandez
July 22, 2017
I was at HISD while he was a board member. Always treated us with deep respect.
KURT HIXSON
July 22, 2017
Manuel was a great leader, a great friend, a great mentor... a great man. He will forever be missed, but never forgotten.
Olga Castro
July 21, 2017
My condolences to The Rodriguez Family. May Mr. Manuel Rodríguez Jr. Rest In Peace. From: Mrs. Castro( Parent Volunteer at Brookline Elementary, Hartman Middle School, & Austin High School).
Olga McGee
July 21, 2017
Manuel was always "bigger than life" in everything he did. From the enormous Austin High School flag that he made and proudly waved at the football games in the late 1960's to his tireless quest to improve and advance the educational opportunities of the students in HISD, he gave it his all. He and Ginny have been our longtime special friends and we will miss him dearly. Our deepest heartfelt condolences and love to Ginny and the family. May he rest in peace in the Kingdom of God.
Olga (Gogi) and Jack McGee
Arriene Kaplan
July 21, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Rodriguez family on Manuel's passing. I feel like I've lost another brother. Be with God.
Julie Heath
July 21, 2017
I worked with Manuel many years ago, but he always had a great laugh and a big heart. We need more men like him in this world.
Julie Heath
Jose Covarrubia
July 21, 2017
I was honored to work with Mr. Rodriguez while serving as principal at De Zavala Elementary. Mr. Rodriguez was always helpful and continuously strived to provide the resources we needed to educate the students. He was truly a servant of our community and I will never forget all of his kindness and advice . My condolences to the entire family. May he Rest In Peace.
Roy Flores
July 21, 2017
Today was A sad day when i heard about Mr Rodriguez.Great Lost to Magnolia park.
Good night my Friend.
July 21, 2017
Manuel will be greatly missed. His heart was dedicated to the youth and their future, inspiring them toward the importance of getting an education . May his family feel Gods warm embrace around them to comfort them in their Great Loss! Frankie Santoro GOE
Ted Wills
July 20, 2017
Mr. Rodriguez was a remarkable example of a servant leader who passionately cared about the future well-being of the youth of Houston and Brookline Elementary in particular. My wife and I send our prayers to Mrs. Rodriguez and the entire family on the occasion of their loss.
JOE & CELIA PUENTE
July 20, 2017
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF MR. RODRIGUEZ, A MAN OF SUCH A CARING
HEART AND GAVE SO MUCH OF HIMSELF NOT
ONLY IN HIS GREAT CAPACITY AT HISD BOARD
BUT HIS LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOWED US
AT ST. CHRISTOPHER CHURCH. HE WILL BE
GREATLY MISSED..
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