RODRIGUEZ, Jesus H. (Rod)

Crystal Rose Funeral Home, Tolleson, Arizona J.H. "ROD" RODRIGUEZ Son of Norberto and Rafaela Felix Rodriguez was born in Juarez, Mexico on April 13, 1918. "Rod" passed away on February 11, 2009 peacefully-surrounded by his loving family and friends. The Rodriguez family settled in the Tolleson area when "Rod" was a few months old. His brother, John and his sister Grace grew up in a small and hard working family. He graduated from Tolleson Elementary School with commendations for perfect attendance and good grades. Unique for his time, "Rod" graduated from Tolleson High School. He excelled in basketball and especially baseball where the nickname of �Babe� remained throughout his life. Rod married Manuela "Nellie" Razo of Glendale, Arizona in 1940. With World War II on two fronts, Uncle Sam beckoned the young man to the front line leaving a wife and two small children behind. A proud member of the 4th Infantry Division, 22nd Infantry Battalion, U.S. Army, he fearlessly took part in the Normandy Invasion that entered France on June 6, 1944. His Company moved upwards through France and into the Hurtgen Forest, Germany, where he was wounded in both legs by enemy machine gun fire on November 29, 1944. His military decorations include a Purple Heart and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Star and an Arrowhead earned by invasion forces. He was honored with the rank of Captain by General John Ruggles in 1998. Rod was discharged from the Army in 1946 and returned home to his family in Tolleson. He opened his business - Rod's Radio & TV on 93rd and Van Buren Street where he worked on TV's and radios but mostly enjoyed visiting with friends. His favorite saying was that "he could fix anything but a broken heart." Next door was Nellie's Beauty Shop where together they operated their businesses and provided services for over 50 years to the community. His civic duties included: Tolleson City Council - elected 1971 to June 1985. Served as Vice Mayor, 1975 to 1978, and Mayor, 1979 to 1981. He was an active member of the Maricopa Association of Governments and a Board Member of Tolleson Unified School District. He was a founding member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Tolleson served as VFW Commander and managed the semi-pro "Crusaders" women's softball team. Rod is survived by Nellie, his wife for 69 years, children, Virginia, Leonard (JoAnn), Edward (Sue), Lawrence (Francine), Norberto (Linda), Ronald (Angie) and Marisella, 13 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren and many loving and caring relatives and friends. Services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 512 N. 93rd Avenue, Tolleson, Arizona. Viewing will be at 9:00 to 9:45 am; mass from 10:00 to 10:45am. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 10045 West Thomas Road, Avondale, Arizona at 11:30 am. Arrangements by Crystal Rose Funeral Home, 9155 West Van Buren, Tolleson (623) 936-3637.