Roque' "Roy" Rodriguez

Roque' Valero Rodriguez, lovingly known as "Roy" to his family and friends, died July 18, 2006, at age 76, after a long illness. He lived in Las Vegas since 1963, and was born in Clearwater, Calif., Aug. 1, 1929. He is survived by his wife, of 56 years, Ida; and his five children: son, Earl (Barbara) Rodriguez of Cedar City, Utah; daughter, Christine (Michael) Worrell of Las Vegas; son, Gary (Janice) Rodriguez of Northglenn, Colo.; daughter, Loretta (Jim) Kirkpatrick of Las Vegas; and daughter, Loraine Acheson of Las Vegas. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren, Diana, Amber, Philip, Jennifer, Rosanne, Michael, Angelo, Melanie, Stephen, Alexis, Megan, Jordan, Aaron, Jonathan, and Julie; 13 great-grandchildren; three siblings; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roque' and Marta Rodriguez; sister, Ruth; brother, LeRoy; and two great-granddaughters, LaCayden and Preslee Rodriguez. He had a distinguished military career in the U.S. Air Force where he was a pilot instructor during the Korean War. Even though English was his second language he obtained his degree in engineering. After his military career, he worked as a supervisor at Angel's Peak for the Federal Aviation Administration. He was a developer of several aviation patents, one that was used for the aerospace program. He received the Federal Employee of the Year Award and retired after 32 years of service. His family is very proud of his successes. During his retirement he kept active as a volunteer. He coached inner-city peewee baseball and was a score keeper for Bobby Sox Softball, started a successful hot lunch program at St. Francis de Sales School, served as a Board of Trustee member for Baker Park Community School, volunteered with the Income Tax Assistance Program, and was an "English as a Second Language" teacher. He was a founding board member of N.A.L.A. He ran his own business, Valero Mobile Notary for four years. He will always be remembered for his sharp wit, intelligence, and generous loving spirit. He was a Loving Husband to Idee, and Padre to All. A service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22, at The Crossings, 7950 W. Windmill Lane.