1935
Israel
2016
Israel Duarte Rodriguez
July 28, 1935 — May 16, 2016
Donna/Weslaco: Israel "Vito" Rodriguez, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 16, 2016 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Mercedes, Texas to Genaro and Petra Duarte Rodriguez. He was the youngest of 5 children. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jesus D. Rodriguez and Isaac D. Rodriguez.
Vito grew up in Weslaco and attended Weslaco High School (Class of 1956). In 1960, he graduated from Pan American University with a BA in Spanish. He would later graduate from Texas A & I University in 1976 with a MA in Educational Administration. He dedicated 45 years of service to both the Donna and Weslaco Independent School Districts, serving the majority of years at Donna, in which he rose through the ranks beginning with Teacher to Principal to Interim Superintendent. He retired in 1994, but it did not suit him well, and he returned to work for both Weslaco and Donna school districts for over a decade before finally enjoying retired life.
He was a proud member of the Texas Army National Guard who served his country for 9 years. Vito entered the Guard in 1961 and was part of the 144th Inf. 49th Armed Division (Delta Devils) and earned the rank of SSGT E6. He also was an active member of the American Legion and was a former Commander of the American Legion Post #464 in Weslaco.
Vito was a devoted and loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Beatriz Tamez Rodriguez, and daughter Dr. Vanessa M. Rodriguez as well as his brothers Genaro D. Rodriguez of Brownsville and Raquel "Kelo" D. Rodriguez of Weslaco.
Vito enjoyed travelling, driving across the country every summer with his family. In his later years, he was able to travel and enjoy Europe with his wife. He was always ready to get on a plane and visit his daughter in New York. He loved to spend time with friends and fire up the grill and barbeque. Vito loved to listen to music, read the latest in news and politics, and watch sports, especially when his San Francisco 49ers were playing.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mid-Valley Internists, Texas Oncology, and Knapp Medical Center (Hospice) for their diligent and compassionate efforts in caring for Vito. In addition, the family would especially like to thank Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Farray for their outstanding care.
Vito grew up in Weslaco and attended Weslaco High School (Class of 1956). In 1960, he graduated from Pan American University with a BA in Spanish. He would later graduate from Texas A & I University in 1976 with a MA in Educational Administration. He dedicated 45 years of service to both the Donna and Weslaco Independent School Districts, serving the majority of years at Donna, in which he rose through the ranks beginning with Teacher to Principal to Interim Superintendent. He retired in 1994, but it did not suit him well, and he returned to work for both Weslaco and Donna school districts for over a decade before finally enjoying retired life.
He was a proud member of the Texas Army National Guard who served his country for 9 years. Vito entered the Guard in 1961 and was part of the 144th Inf. 49th Armed Division (Delta Devils) and earned the rank of SSGT E6. He also was an active member of the American Legion and was a former Commander of the American Legion Post #464 in Weslaco.
Vito was a devoted and loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Beatriz Tamez Rodriguez, and daughter Dr. Vanessa M. Rodriguez as well as his brothers Genaro D. Rodriguez of Brownsville and Raquel "Kelo" D. Rodriguez of Weslaco.
Vito enjoyed travelling, driving across the country every summer with his family. In his later years, he was able to travel and enjoy Europe with his wife. He was always ready to get on a plane and visit his daughter in New York. He loved to spend time with friends and fire up the grill and barbeque. Vito loved to listen to music, read the latest in news and politics, and watch sports, especially when his San Francisco 49ers were playing.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mid-Valley Internists, Texas Oncology, and Knapp Medical Center (Hospice) for their diligent and compassionate efforts in caring for Vito. In addition, the family would especially like to thank Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Farray for their outstanding care.
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