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George Rodriguez Obituary
George A. Rodriguez (69), beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son-in-law, brother, and friend passed away peacefully at his home on September 5, 2013. George was born August 6, 1944 in San Antonio, TX. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where he played football and baseball. There he met his one and only love, Stella. Together, they began their life in San Antonio, where he worked as a San Antonio Police Officer. While in the police force, he attended St. Mary's University. After graduation, he began a long and successful career as a Special Agent for The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). He was a part of the Bureau during very tumultuous times, including the Los Angeles riots, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the raid of the Branch Davidian Compound in Waco. These provided material for great stories, which he loved to share with all who were close to him. He truly loved his work, and after twenty five years, he retired as the Deputy Associate Director of the Bureau. His career at the Bureau required several moves, allowing him to form many friendships across the country. After his retirement, George spent as many days as he could playing golf with his beloved friends-many who were retired ATF agents. When not on the golf course he meticulously maintained his home and had a beautiful lawn and garden.
George was blessed with and adored by his two daughters, Denise Cadenas, husband Jorge, of Overland Park, KS, and Mary Kathryn Fox, husband Will, of Leawood, KS. George was the grandfather (GP) to Ben (13), Julia (11), Olivia (8), Ava (8), Isabella (7), Stella (2), and Elle (10 months). His greatest pleasure came from spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and sons-in-law, the latter two which he loved as his own. He could frequently be seen at sporting events and school activities for all of his many grandchildren. George's legacy will be his kindness toward each and every person he encountered, his positive outlook, sense of humor and infectious smile.
Additionally, George leaves behind his sister, Belinda Marcet (Robert), his brother, Edward J. Rodriguez (Mary Louise), mother-in-law, Bertha H. Buenrostro, sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ortiz (Albert), and many beloved and cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Anthony M. Rodriguez, mother, Acuzena Bradshaw Garcia, brother, Anthony Rodriguez, father-in-law, Rudy H. Buenrostro, and brother-in-law, Rudy Buenrostro, all of who are celebrating his arrival into heaven.
Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00pm, Sunday, September 8th at McGilley State Line Funeral Home, 12301 State Line Rd. KCMO. Funeral services will be at 10:00am, Monday, September 9th at The Church of the Nativity (Leawood, KS).
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Memories and Condolences
for George Rodriguez
Sponsored by anonymous.
Jim Sudberry
April 23, 2017
I am so sorry to learn of George's death four years after it occurred. From the day I arrived in Brownsville as a non Spanish speaker from the mid west George developed the confidence and ability in me to become a successful Special Agent and Suture Supervisor. He was also a good personal friend. I remember the first time George had me at his home and I met Stella. It was the first time I had ever had this oddly green stuff called guacamole. With George's leadership and with my partner, Jim Wheeler's sage guidance I became a confident and competent agent. Because of their friendship, the last year I was in Brownsville, they helped me become the Agent of The Year for the Houston Division. Soon after I was promoted but stayed in touch with George until he left ATF. I always remember being with George and Jim and our excursions into Mexico including the day Jim and I crashed the Mexican border in pursuit of a felon. George got to explain that one to the boss and we came out with getting the credit we deserved instead of discipline that a weaker supervisor would have allowed. George, I'll always remember our Sunday morning football games with Jack Abbot in Harlingen and treasure all those memories forever. You were a true Man, a great teacher and Supervisor, and foremost, a good friend.
Richard Haynes
September 30, 2013
George will be sorely missed. He was not only a professional in ATF, but a friend to many. Our deepest sympathy to his loved ones. He was a good man.
Abner and Pattie Haynes
George Lopez
September 20, 2013
Stella, we were out of town upon hearing of George's passing. Our prayers for courage, strength, peace and faith in this most challenging time of your family's lives.
Our thoughts for your Mom, seeing the three most important men in her life depart. I will be visiting more often.
Jay Wachtel
September 13, 2013
George was my boss at the ATF office in Los Angeles. He was warm, thoughtful and a true gentleman. Truly a fine human being. I still cite him as an example of what a law enforcement manager - heck, a person - should strive to be. These aren't just words for an eulogy: George really was all this, and much more. And he will remain in my thoughts until we meet again.
Charlie Barnett
September 12, 2013
George and I were sworn in as ATF Agents on the same day in Dallas. I worked with and knew George for 30 years in Texas and California. We played Golf on numerous occasions and he honored me by attending my retirement party. He was a extremely good Leader and one of the most honorable men I have known. Rest in Peace Friend.
Duane Drew
September 12, 2013
Our family did not know George very long but the time spent with him on the sidelines of the soccer fields watching our Grandsons play were some of the most enjoyable games. I found George to be an extremely interesting man who seemed passionate about his family and life in general. He will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family during this time of sorrow
Mary Kathryn Fox
September 12, 2013
I feel so blessed to have you as my father. Although the loss feels unbearable at times, I know you are watching over all of us and protecting our family, as you always did. You were my hero, my first love, my protector. I know you know just how much I love you! I promise to take care of Mom and to make you proud each and every day. Just promise me this, Please greet me with your smile when I am welcomed into eternal life.
David J. Bernal- FBI-Retired
September 12, 2013
I met George during my assignment in Kansas City. He was indeed a genuinely gregarious personality and an exemplary and dedicated Law Enforcement professional. My condolences to his family.
September 10, 2013
George there are no words to express what you have meant to me and the girls over the years. The grief and overwhelming sadness we feel cannot be over stated.
The love you had for your wife, daughters and grandchildren is an example more men should follow.
You will always be in my heart and I hope to be able to think of you with more smiles than tears as time goes by.
I promise to look after Stella and the entire family as you have watched over and taken care of me over the years.
Rest in peace until we meet again.
All my love,
Liz
September 10, 2013
Dear Stella and family, our hearts and thoughts are with you during this sad time. We pray that you find comfort in the wonderful memories and that George's spirit lives on through his beloved family. Love, Sylvia and Ron Urrabaz. San Antonio TX
September 10, 2013
Stella, I don't know if you remember me. I am Norma (Magdalena Paniagua's daughter. My brothers Robert and Roy and I offer you our deepest condolences. You and your family are in our prayers.
Stewart Allen
September 10, 2013
Stella and Family, Bonnie and I just learned of George's passing. We are so sorry. As you recall, Bonnie and George both attended Thomas Jefferson High School. I had the pleasure of working a long and complex case withe George back in the early 1980's and worked with him throughout the last half of his career. George was a dedicated Special Agent, had the highest integrity and was a pleasure to be around. You have our deepest sympathy.
Stewart and Bonnie Allen
Lencho and Mary Rendon
September 10, 2013
I just heard of George's passing last night. What a great family man. My prayers and that of my family are with Stella and ALL his family. I know he will be missed dearly. I will always treasure his wisdom, kindness and giving heart. Many Hispanics served and serve in federal law enforcement because of George. Thanks for being there for all of us.
Blessings to all,
Lencho and Mary Rendon y familia
Corpus Christi, Texas
Vick Zamora
September 10, 2013
Stella and girls, I am so sorry that you have lost your great love of your lives. As we all know, he was just such an excellent person with the greatest heart from which he shared great love not only for his family, but for all of those that had the pleasure of knowing him. He will truly be missed. May God provide the strength and courage that you will need in these days to come.
Richard 'Rico' Silvas
September 9, 2013
Stella......my sincere condolences with the passing of George. I only meet him once but he was a very kind, caring and gracious person! My thoughts and prays are with you and your entire family as you deal with the mourning process....have faith in God and be blessed!
Raul and Mary Esther (Ramos) Muniz
September 9, 2013
To Stella and daughters and family, My deepest sympathy. I was so surprised to hear of George's passing. I did not see him very often, years ago, but I do remember how close he was to his family. There was a sparkle in his eyes around his family.
Just remember he lives on in your hearts, and SMILE when you think of him, he will be Smiling back at you!
Fred Schneider
September 9, 2013
George and I attended grade school at St. John Berchman's in San Antonio. We played Little League and Pony League baseball but always on different teams. I loved pitching to him & trying to stike hin out, and he loved getting a hit off me. We were friends and had great respect for each other. AS adults we would see each other at Spur's games and at the most unlikely place Home Depot Store at Loop 1604 at Bandera Hwy. where he introduced me to his brother ln law. Maybe we'll get together in heaven and play some baseball.
Forest Webb Sr.
September 9, 2013
I met and worked with George a short period while investigating an Arson in Delaware. He was a true professional in leading the responce team and solving the case as he managed to get a confession from the one responsible. I am sure he will be missed by our ATF family as he was truly one of the good ones. God bless his family and friends.
Tom Murrah
September 9, 2013
My prayers go out to George's family seeking peace in the knowledge of the
many blessings he shared with all. Many miles away, I look to my left and see his image in football team pictures from many years ago at Horace Mann Junior High and Jefferson High School in San Antonio. We were lucky to know him as a friend and teammate. God bless his family.
Gilbert "Gibby" & Norma Rodriguez
September 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mark James
September 9, 2013
Not a better boss, not a better mentor, not a better friend could anyone ever have than this man. We will all miss him terribly but he lives on in each of us as everyone who had George in their life learned something good and positive from him. Everyday, I use something in my work that I learned from George. Rest well my friend and don't be surprised to see me "a Protestant" as you use to tease me when I follow you just as I did my whole career!
Bobby Martin
September 9, 2013
George is and always will be my friend. He was always on my side an I will miss him.
September 9, 2013
Stella and Family,
May you be surrounded by God's Love, Peace and Hope during this diffucult time. George is now another bright STAR in Heaven!!
Keeping you in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Estrellita Rangel-Echterhoff & The Rangel Family in San Antonio, Tx
Stephen Sundgaard
September 9, 2013
I first met George in 1976 when I began work as an ATF attorney in Dallas where George was stationed at the time. That summer I participated in an operation in Demver and was assigned to drive around for a week with George. I gained the utmost respect for George during that time, both for his professional knowledge and ability as well as for his gentlemanly demeanor. Our friendship continued through his years as fhe RAC in Brownsville where he would invite me to dinner at his house in Harlingen and then drive me to the airport whenever I was in town on business. I held George in the highest regard as a special agent and as a friend.
Charles Steimle
September 8, 2013
Great Agent
Great Guy
We'll miss you George
Good-Bye
Donald Kincaid
September 8, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Stella and the family; I was shocked and saddened to learn of George's passing. I worked with George, played golf with him and always thought very highly of him. Ralph Waldo Emerson may have had George in mind when he said, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Don Kincaid
Theresa Glasscock
September 8, 2013
I am praying for the family as God sees them through this difficult time. I worked with George at ATF and will always remember his laughter and concern for people. When he retired, I was fortunate enough to be the planner for his retirement party and we celebrated George's accomplishments at ATF which were many. But his true happiest was when he spoke of his family. God Bless You George.
Bennie Davis
September 8, 2013
George, you have made your journey, and I know it was a good one. Those of us left behind can follow your footsteps. I remember the good times at 434 S. Main. Tom is gone, Rudy is gone, and now you are gone. I guess I am next in line. I know you guys will show me the way.
Gina Fox
September 8, 2013
George was an intelligent kind man. He had a way to make strangers feel welcome at the moment they met. He was interested in you as a person and made you know how proud he was of his family without a doubt. My son became his and the love he showed him was above all possible for a
father-in-law but George shared his love as a father not as a friend.
Stella I know exactly what you are facing without your loving husband at your side. My prayers will be lifted for you to find peace that our Lord and Savior will not only wrap his arms around you to comfort you at this most lonely time but give you courage to continue in your journey of life to face what ever trials and challenges you may encounter
C Heart
September 8, 2013
Rest in Peace. Prayers to all.
Christ Heart (retireATF Houston) and family
Jimmy Bowen
September 8, 2013
Stella and George's family. I was shocked and deeply sadden to hear of George's passing. He and I worked together at ATF Hdqtrs in 1982 and 83, and he was truly a friend and gentleman. Every day he conducted himself with the highes moral and ethical standards of anyone I have every known. His life and actions set a positive example for everyone he met and worked with,and as such, he made this world a better place fo all. My prayers now are that he is with God in heaven reaping the benefits of his Godly life. And, that you and his family are continuely blessed with his wonderful memories.
Lawrence Duchnowski
September 8, 2013
When I think of George, I remember three things most vividly. He was a true professional who was the "best" of ATF. He was always fun to be around, and even if he had not seen you for a long time, he always greeted you like you were part of his family. And finally, anyone who had the experience of working for him gained a lot of positive experience on how to treat your employees. My sincere condolences to his family.
Larry Duchnowski (ATF retired)
Terry Rangel
September 8, 2013
Stella, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Wish I could be there. I will call you soon. Take care.
Angela Garbe
September 8, 2013
I just saw GP at Winsteads happy and warm.He kept an eye on my 2 girls as I used the restroom.The Garbe girls
Jack Barnett
September 8, 2013
So sorry for your loss, George was a great leader and a good man, he surely will be missed by all who knew him!
Mike Morrissey
September 8, 2013
I first met George in the mid-80's while assigned to a detail at ATF Bureau Headquarters. From that point until my retirement in 2002 I considered George a friend, co-worker and associate. He was an excellent leader and a good friend. I am deeply saddened at his untimely passing and my prayers and condolences are extended to his family and firends.
Harold Nichols
September 8, 2013
George will be remembered as one of the "Good Ones". A true friend to all who knew him. My condolences to his family.
Harold Nichols
Kansas City Missouri Police (retired)
nancy tierney
September 7, 2013
God bless George. Love and prayers to Stella and the entire family.
Kelley and Nathan Couch
September 7, 2013
Such beautiful pictures, such a wonderful man, such a WONDERFUL family, we are so very sorry for your loss.
September 7, 2013
As one of George's co-workers at ATF, I was deeply saddened to learn of his sudden passing. He was a gentleman and a true professional who was highly respected by everyone who worked with him. My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Rodriguez family. James L. Brown, ATF (Retired)
David Sims
September 7, 2013
Sad to learn of George's passing. I have advised all of his teammates at Jefferson High School. QEP, David S. Sims
Bill Nickell
September 7, 2013
During my stay in ATF BHQ,'83-'88 I followed the career of George fairly closely. He was very well-thought of by all those I knew. That was a difficult accomplishment. On one happy occasion,"Range Day" George provide us all with fajitas-fixings without ever being asked. That was typical of his attitude toward his associates. We lost a good one! Bill Nickell(Ass't. Director-ret.)
Richard Brooks
September 7, 2013
George was a fine agent and manager. He was always polite and considerate. My condolences to his family, I know he will be sorely missed.
Richard Brooks, Retired Special Agent.
September 7, 2013
It was my privilege to have worked closely with George during the time he was ATF RAC in Brownsville, Texas. George was a loyal friend and co-worker; and a highly competent law enforcement supervisor. My deepest sympath and sincerest condolences to Stella and George's entire family. David Barrineau, San Antonio, Texas
September 7, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of Deputy Associate Director (DAD) Rodriguez. He was one of the finest ATF Special Agents I have ever known. He was a gentleman and was greatly respected by all who had the honor of working with him. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. 'May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories that you have of DAD Rodriquez. He was an exceptional man.
Teresa Hinson
ATF Special Agent (Retired 2011)
Dan Conroy
September 7, 2013
I had the distinct privilege or knowing George as a co-worker and friend at ATF.
He was the consummate professional and above all always a gentleman. He will be missed.
B.K. Uptagrafft
September 7, 2013
You did well, old friend; rest in peace.
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