Jose H. "Papo" Rodriguez

1935 - 2022

Harlingen - Jose H. "Papo" Rodgriguez, 86, was born July 27, 1935 in Laredo, Texas. He passed away on February 14, 2022 in Harlingen, Texas due to COVID complications. He was enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1953 when he was just 17 years old. Throughout his illustrious career he was stationed in many places around the world including England, Panama, Greenland, Thailand, California and completed a tour in Vietnam in March 1969. He retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service as a Chief Master Sergeant which is the highest rank for enlisted men.

After his Air Force career, he attended Pan American University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. He then worked for the State of Texas for 17 years as a caseworker and 20 years as a Business Manager for San Isidro ISD and retired in 2002.

During his retirement years, he enjoyed playing golf, gardening, and spending time with his wife and family. He loved various sports especially watching the Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Cowboys. Above all else, he loved being a devoted grandfather "Papo" to his five granddaughters and two great-grandsons. He was loved by all for his kindness and his warmth to everyone he ever met and left a lasting legacy of being a true gentleman.

He is survived by his wife Maria D. Rodriguez of 63 years, his brother Federico (Ellen) Rodriguez, his two daughters Yvonne (Michael) Browning and Marissa Perez. He has five granddaughters Allyson (Jeff) Tatanus, Ashley Perez (Ryan Ferrrelli), Taylor Browning, Callie Browning, Kathleen Perez (Matt Tawil). He also had the great joy of loving his two great grandsons Bryan and Ben Tatanus.

He will be truly missed.

Visitation will be held at 4:00pm on Monday, February 21, 2022 at the Ric Brown Family Funeral Home Chapel-McAllen with a rosary to be recited at 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Mission with rite of committal to follow at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the United States Air Force Honor Guard.