Ruben Rodriguez, 63, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonel and Isabel Rodriguez; two children, Mary Rodriguez, and Nick Rodriguez.
Ruben was a retired contractor, turned professional grandpa. He was a selfless man of God who lived a life of service, spreading his faith through word and action. He was a fixture at Our Lady of Guadalupe, serving many years as a youth leader and mentor. He also served in many different church ministries at Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Paul's Catholic Church, and Holy Rosary Catholic Church including Men on Fire, Calvary of Christ, A.C.T.S. and AFC but his favorite was CYRP, where he spent weeks in the summer heat working with youth to renovate homes in the colonias. He along with his wife Olga, housed many young missionaries and foreign exchange students from around the world as well as serving as an example and mentors for couples seeking to be married. In 2014, Ruben was recognized for his contributions to the community by being named "Mr. Mission" by the Progress Times. Ruben always said that of all the names that he had ever been called, "Papa" was his favorite. He almost always had at least one grandbaby by his side anywhere he went. Ruben was a great friend, brother, cousin, a loving husband, and a devoted dad and Papa. He has left a legacy of love and will be greatly missed.
Mr. Rodriguez is survived by his loving spouse, Olga Rodriguez; six children, Yesenia Rodriguez, Leonel (Michelle Moreno) Rodriguez, Ayiza (Aaron) Huerta, Joel (Isamar Flores) Rodriguez, Chris Rodriguez, Joshua Rodriguez; nine grandchildren; nine siblings, Lionel Rodriguez, Dora Ruiz, Alicia Fuentes, Christina Felix, Joe Rodriguez, Javier Rodriguez, Arturo Rodriguez, Josie "Gina" Snell, and Mike Rodriguez; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In response to COVID-19 concerns, a drive-by viewing and Rosary will be held from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission in lieu of a traditional viewing. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2021, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment will follow at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Because restrictions will only allow for immediate family to stand outside of their vehicles, all services will be recorded and available to view online.
We understand you may want to pay your respects to the family and express your love, but we ask that you refrain from doing so and abide by all safety protocols at the rosary and the cemetery. We appreciate your understanding.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.