Fernando J. Rodriguez

1941 - 2021

Fernando J. Rodriguez was a larger-than-life personality who left this world too soon as he died peacefully of natural causes on February 4, 2021 at age 79.He was born to Henrietta Marcordes and Manuel Rodriguez in 1941 in Los Angeles, CA. He was the 7th child of 8 and was known to be the "funny" one always making his siblings laugh and the one to lend an ear. After graduating from Mount Carmel Boys High School in 1959, he joined the California National Guard where he served for 6 years. Fernando's passion was to help empower people from oppressed and marginalized communities. He wanted them to have an equal opportunity to live the "American Dream" despite the color of their skin and/or based on gender. His early mentors, Emilie Cacho MFCC and the late Dr. Helen Miller Bailey, further fostered and strengthened his devotion to helping others. He pursued his dreams with the love and encouragement of the late Barbara Weber by enrolling in college and graduated in 1968 from Cal State LA majoring in Sociology, and then graduated with this Master's in Social Welfare at UCLA in 1971. His professional accomplishments include working as a LA County Probation Officer, Director of the Veterans Program at East Los Angeles College and then settling into teaching Sociology 1 and 2 at LA City Community College for 43 years. His career as a Professor gave him so much joy and sense of purpose as his goal was to inspire and challenge the next generation of students. His quick wit, enthusiasm, and dynamic personality helped him create a strong bond with his students, which often included sharing his own personal journey. Many of his funny sayings have been memorialized by many, both professionally (Tenga!) and personally (Thanksgiving Day song). Fernando's other passions included caring for his extensive garden, reading the LA Times paper every morning with coffee, traveling, Turner Classic Movies, singing songs from his favorite musicals, salsa dancing, being outdoors, attending cultural events, visiting Descanso Gardens, and frequenting his favorite restaurants with loved ones. Most importantly, his heart belonged to his family and friends as he loved entertaining and cooking for them often. Fernando was hard working, worldly, boisterous, creative, curious, incredibly funny, generous, thoughtful and always had a mischievous sparkle in his eye. He strived to be the best person he could be for himself, his family and for the world. In the last few years, he found a new group of "students" to connect with and share his life experiences with at Sunrise of Seal Beach. They helped keep him on his toes and gave him a new sense of purpose and youthfulness as he navigated his final chapter. He said that he had a great life and was so thankful to have this many years to love and laugh. It was evident through his compassion and the stories he shared of his successes, and regrets that he loved big and gave us his all. His purpose in life was to serve others and that he did. He will be dearly missed by many and thought of often. His memory will live on in our hearts forever. In addition to Fernando's parents, he is predeceased by his brothers Raul and Manuel Rodriguez, brother-in-law Francisco Martino and his sister Gloria Audet. He is survived by his daughter, Cristina Freese, son-in-law Conrad Freese, sister Alma and Roland Sarlot, sister Norma and Don Donovan, sister Marie Rodriguez, brother Robert and Barbara Rodriguez, brother-in-law Richard Audet and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and loyal friends. In honor of Fernando's wishes, no public service was held. The family suggests any donations in his honor be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as he gave to them often in support of his brother Raul Rodriguez and daughter Cristina. Donations can be sent to National Multiple Sclerosis Society 10088 Willow Creek Rd, Suite 250 San Diego, Ca 92131.