Adolfo "Fito" Rodriguez

1935 - 2017

February 7, 1935 - March 17, 2017
Adolfo "Fito" Rodriguez Jr, loving husband, wonderful father and proud owner of Fito's Shoes Inc., went home to be be with his heavenly Father at the age of 82. He was born on February 7, 1935 in Laredo Texas to Adolfo and Elena Rodriguez Sr. and passed away on March 17, 2017 in San Antonio TX. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Emma Rodriguez, his children; Melissa Cortez and her husband, Pete and Adolfo Rodriguez III, his grandchildren; Marcelina Rodriguez, Nathan Adolfo Cortez, Liz Anita Cortez, George Benito Cortez and Merci Emma Cortez. Fito's Shoes Inc. was founded in 1972 by Fito and Emma. His first location was on General McMullen on the Westside of San Antonio. It was established by a couple with a big dream. 45 years later their dream is still a reality. Located inside South Park mall for over 35 years.

At the age of 15 he started selling shoes at Scooti Shoes in Laredo Texas. His selling skills were immediately noticed by the managers and the local retail community. He was recruited by Hachars Department store where he met his future wife, Emma. From there he was recruited again, this time to manage Anderson Brothers. In 1959, he relocated to San Antonio and shortly was hired to Manage Schiff Shoes Store in Las Palmas Shopping Center. Soon after, Fito was promoted to District Manager at Schiff Shoes that included several stores through out Texas.

As Fito worked long hours, Fito had always desired the American dream of owning and growing a successful shoe business. However, they did not have the capital to start a shoe business. United States Congressman, Henry B. Gonzales, started a revitalization of the Westside of San Antonio. Emma saw the Congressman's article in the newspaper offering Small Business loans. He and Emma seized the opportunity and decided to take the risk of forming Fito's Shoes Inc.
Fito was approved for the
loan based on his years
of experience and
the job performance recommendations of his employer. Soon Fito realized starting the shoe business was the greatest challenge to date. However, forty-five (45) years later, Fito's Shoes Inc. succeeded and he attributed his success to long hours, hard work and the strong desire to live the American Dream.

Fito loved to travel with his family. His favorite places were Neosho Missouri to visit his brother, nephews, nieces and Las Vegas Nevada. He was a blessing to his family and friends. A visitation will be held at Castle Ridge Mortuary on Friday March 24, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday March 25, 2017 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial at San Fernando No 2. In memory of Mr. Rodriguez you may make a donation to St. Jude's Hospital, using memorial
ID#10950772
https://www.stjude.org/give/
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