Obituary
Guest Book
Celebration of the life of
SALVADOR A. RODRIGUEZ
DECEMBER 10, 1928 - JULY 11, 2013
"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." Buddha.
When we try to crystalize our father's life on earth - it comes down to Dad was a fair, kind, generous man who shared his happiness and humor with others.
First and foremost, he truly loved his family: wife and love of his life, Lupe Guerrero Rodriguez, children Sal Rodriguez III, Rita Rodriguez, Patricia R. and Cesar L. Gonzalez, and Ricardo Rodriguez. He also loved his adopted son and daughter, Ignacio Castro and Debra Kanof. He and our mother provided us with a charmed life - charmed in the sense that we never had a doubt that they loved us with all their being and taught us through their example in life lessons. They taught us to work hard, know the value of family foremost, and to look for the joy in life. Dad gave our mother the world. They traveled the world together to places that they never dreamed they could see. He bought Mom her dream home. The light of his heart and hope were his grandchildren, Matthew, Aria and Adria Gonzalez. They are loving, respectful individuals who gave him enormous pride and joy.
Our Dad shared with coworkers and employees of his own business, Sal Rodriguez Painting Contractor. He was a fair and kind boss. Requiring from his workers only what he himself would also do. Many a time Dad would grab the paint brush in order to get the job done! In over 30 years in business, he was able to share a living and help provide for many families. But, they were not only employees and workers - to him they were friends. After he retired, he regularly had his "guys" come for breakfast and laugh about the old times. Many of his clients also became his close and dear friends. They knew Dad as a man of his word who would be fair and honest.
Our Dad touched many lives with his humor and efforts to make someone happy each and every day - from the donuts for his doctors' nursing staff, to a roll of life savers for a bank clerk, to gold dollar coins for a waitress' tip. Whatever room or elevator or building he walked into he would greet all. No one was a stranger. When asked how he was doing, he always responded "I'm still on top of the grass!" to signify he was alive and well.
He lived a vibrant, full life - sharing countless good times with his golfing buddies and friends throughout the years. Up until February, he was regularly playing at Lone Star Golf Course. He always was ready to listen and to offer advice or tell a "naughty" joke. He would honor golfing buddies who passed by placing a plaque with their name on a tree at the El Paso Country Club. He was always ready to learn new things and meet new friends. At age 81, he learned to play the piano.
He shared with the community. He was a Rotarian, an Optimist, a Toastmaster, and a member of the Texas National Guard. He served as Santa for youngsters from his neck of the woods, El Segundo Barrio, at the Rotarian Christmas event.
He served as a font knowledge and history lesson for his many nieces and nephews. He very much enjoyed their company and visits.
We want to thank you all for being a part of our father's multifaceted life - for being there to share his light. Most grateful thanks to his main care givers - the ever patient Olivia Archuleta and his son, Cesar.
Please join us to celebrate Dad's life and his journey to reunite with his wife, Lupe, and son, Sal III, who predeceased him. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Martin Funeral Home-West, 128 N. Resler, El Paso, Texas from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. Burial services to held Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park, 4848 Alps, El Paso, Texas. A reception will follow at Dominguez Mexican Food Restaurant, 1201 Airway Blvd. C5, El Paso, Texas. In lieu of flowers, we request that you contribute to the El Paso ISD Education Foundation, 6531 Boeing Dr. El Paso, Texas, 79925, [email protected], 915-230-0559 in order to provide scholarships and supplies to deserving students at Bowie High School.
"The best portion of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts Of kindness and of love." William Wordsworth.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 10, 2020
Coworker
Elizabeth Acosta
He was a gentle soul and a kind man.
July 22, 2013
Roy Lown's Classic Awards
Our deepest sympathy to the family. He was a great person. He always had a joke for the employees here at Roy Lown's Classic Awards and Billiards. We will miss him!
July 22, 2013
SAL WAS VERY GENEROUS. HE WOULD ALWAYS LITE UP THE STORE AND BROUGHT A SMILE TO ALL THE EMPLOYEES HERE AT ROY LOWN'S CLASSIC AWARDS. HE WOULD ALWAYS ORDER THE PLATES FOR THE TREE "FOR THE ONE'S THAT WERE PUSHING DAISIES" AS HE WOULD ALWAYS SAY. OUR CANDY MAN WILL BE TRULY MISSED.
FROM HIS GIRLS AT ROY LOWN'S CLASSIC AWARDS!
July 18, 2013
Mr. Rodriguez was truly an awesome teacher and co-worker. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May God grant you a peace that passes all understanding.
Darlene Taylor
July 17, 2013
Sonia Arias
My Yoda Man... Thank you for all the kind words and compassion. Your wonderful sense of humor is what I will remember and carry with me. You, my friend, were an awesome teacher and more importantly, an amazing human being. You loved those kids..and I loved you for that. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the many memories you left comfort them always.
July 17, 2013
Frankie Diamos
Sal was my dad's compadre , business associate and golfing partner.He was man with a huge sense of humor and even larger zest for life.He loved life, his family ,his friends , people and laughter...If you ever had the pleasure to play golf with him , it was an event competition,jokes, laughter , and great joy.
He was a great man and friend ..
.and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him...God bless
July 17, 2013
Adriana Nunez
I knew Mr. Rodriguez for 14 years. He was such a great friend, very optimist and the best photographer. You will be always in my heart.
July 17, 2013
Edith Sanchez
Sal was one of the nicest and happiest person I have ever met! He woth his humor and jokes always made my day at Lonestar. He always remembered my children and thought of everyone else but himself, because that's how he was.I deeply and ssincerely will miss you lots and lots our dear Sal Rodriquez :( you and your son Sal Jr. are together like always and now in the best place anyone can be in heaven may god bless you both always and your memory will never fade ;)
July 16, 2013
Elizabeth Acosta
I only knew Sal for three yrs., he made me feel welcomed at Andress. Always willing to lend a hand, an ear, and always his sense of humor. He was great with our students, he will be greatly missed. I am proud to have had the privilege of knowing and calling Sal my friend. My prayers are with his family.
July 16, 2013
Patsy Campos-Haenelt
Sad to hear of Mr. Rodriguez passing from my mom, Aurora Campos. Our father passed away about five years ago, D.B. Campos but I so fondly remember of the amazing friendship my parents shared with Sal and Lupe. Mom still has fond memories of their good times together and how my dad always spoke so well of him. Most of all I remember that this was one person that always put a smile on my dad's face when he spoke of him. He always looked forward to being around him and I'm sure another smile to be reunited in heaven with him again. Heaven is a joyful happy place with this angel.
July 15, 2013
Krystal Hughey
Mr. Rodriguez was a great teacher. He inspired me to do what I love and taught me that a good and happy life isn't hard to achieve. I'm so thankful that I got to meet such an amazing man. He will never be forgotten. He believed in me and my photography, and that's something I will never be able to repay him for.
July 15, 2013
Fernando Soledad
Sal was an optimist who offered great advice on life and business situations when I needed it. It was always a fun experience whenever we golfed together. I will miss his uplifting and kind personality.
July 15, 2013
Rosa Villaseñor
My most heartfelt condolences to Sal's family. It was truly a shock to hear of his passing. Andres will truly miss him. He was a very nice, helpful and happy person always willing to share his knowledge not only to students but teachers as well.
A scripture from Matthew 5:3-10:
Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; he Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!
Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised!
Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires, God will satisfy them fully!
Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them!
Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!
Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!
Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! Amen
God Bless All of You!
July 15, 2013
Victor Firth
Sal always made me feel like a friend, although we didn't see each other often. He had a charming wit, a warm smile and shared great stories about his golf game. Sal was a true gentleman who loved his family very much. I was blessed to have known Sal and will miss him.
July 15, 2013
Carolyn Legorreta
Sal was not only a friend but a confidant, a listener, a philosopher and one of the greatest teachers for our Andress students. He will be missed ever so much.
July 14, 2013
Jose Marquez
Another excellent teacher lost at Andress High (4). What a refreshing sense of humor he had. He always made me smile especially on those long and boring TAKS/STAAR test days. I will miss him.
July 14, 2013
Claudia Sanchez
July 14, 2013
Blanca Loubriel
Sal was a great mentor and friend to all. He was a wonderful teacher. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Sal's family. May you rest in peace.
July 14, 2013
Artie Guzman
Uncle Sal was my dad's uncle Ismael Guzman and wife Gloria Guzman, I remember at the age of 16 I wanted to buy a car. My dad called uncle Sal and asked him if he could give me a job, at 16 I went on a working crew to work in New Mexico one whole summer. Mom cried as I left and dad knew that uncle Sal would make sure that I would be safe and in good hands. I had no idea what was in store for me, my two best friends were a pick and shovel I worked as a labor that summer and made enough money to buy my first car. I remember uncle Sal would come by from time to time to do a job site visit; he would ask me how I was doing. I could remember telling him, “just a few more weeks and I'll be home” and I was ready to go home, I never knew what I had gotten myself into. Uncle Sal told me one day to finish high school there are many good things that you can do, you have had a taste of hard work, now do something better for yourself.
I remember how our families would get together for cooks outs at his home, his door was always open to everyone. His smile and laughter were always present and his kindness and words of wisdom were there for all to hear and enjoy. Uncle Sal had so many wonderful friend and that was due to how he treated everyone with fairness and willing to get to know him not only as a boss but as a friend.
I thank God for letting me know this wonderful man and his wonderful family. You will be missed by many and never forgotten.
Artie & Gloria Guzman and family
July 14, 2013
Blanca Loubriel
Sal was a great friend and mentor. He served as a great teacher for our students. He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
July 14, 2013
Gracey Fajardo
My Dearest Cousins,
Cousin Sal will forever be remembered as my cousin “Inky” since I was a young girl.
He was soft spoken man and his dry wit was always humorous to me.
His stories of teaching teenagers in high school and day to day life experiences with his students gave me great laughter and insight to raising my own children.
I cannot imagine Sal without Tio, as they were “two peas in a pod”. They are now reunited with Auntie and I will always cherish the wonderful memories of him.
May God Bless You,
Cousin Gracey & Family
July 14, 2013
Gracey Fajardo
My Dearest Cousins,
I am so deeply sadden to hear of the passing of my “Tio”. I will forever cherish the memories of how he touched my life with his beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humor.
Tio was a man of integrity and honor and his compassion and respect for others was always unfailing.
He was proud of you “his children & grandchildren” as you were his life and every day joy.
I will dearly miss him.
Your cousin,
Gracey & Family
July 14, 2013
I was shocked to hear or your passing. It brought to mind all of the good times shared in those bygone days at UTEP and later as we grew older. I will pray for you and remember you always.
Ruben Alvarado
July 14, 2013
Sandy Moreno
Sal, Primo, I was very shocked & sorry to hear of your unexpected passing. I'm glad you came with your dad to visit us in Joshua Tree in 2004. I got to show you the International Space Station when it flew overhead. You said you had never seen it fly by. Rest now.
July 14, 2013
Mary Guevara
Sal was a loving, kind and gentle husband, father, friend and boss. I will always cherish the memories of Sal and Lupe. My prayers are for you and your family. I will see you in heaven! Love, Mary
July 14, 2013
Tio Sal, I'm so glad that I was able to take my mother, Esther Ross-your 1st cousin, to re-connect with you in Las Vegas. Thank you for the visit you & Sal III made to Joshua Tree in 2004. We all love you & will miss you very much. Sandy Moreno
July 14, 2013
Carla Ellis
I just want to give my prayers to the family. I worked for Sal Rodriguez painting and it was not just a job, it was like family. Mr. Rodriquez always thoughtful and never let a day go by without giving a word of praise. A memory that I have ...whenever there was a birth he had to have a newspaper of that day of the birth to give to the family for the child. I have not seen him in years, but I thought of him often. He will be missed.
July 14, 2013
Sam Hogue
Sal was an incredibly caring and dedicated educator and a person who led by example. He was a very good man and will be hugely missed. My condolences to his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
July 14, 2013
Allan Baker
I met Sal at the Pershing Rifles Reunion in 2000. A kinder, gentler person you could not meet. My most sincere condolences go to his family for his passing and his father's passing. Be strong for each other and remember all the good times. Rest in peace, mi hermano.
July 14, 2013
Stephen Valdez
I also think he was at his happiest, professionally at Andress High School. I saw it in the stories he would tell of the occasions when the student's eyes would light up. We were pledge brothers at UTEP, and since then a life long friend. He cannot be replaced.
July 14, 2013
Joel King
Sal was a wonderful person and teacher. He was loved by students and teachers alike. I always enjoyed visiting with Sal -such a fine man. I will miss seeing Sal at school. It was heart breaking to get the news of his passing. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
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