Leonard E. Rodriguez, 76, was called to his heavenly father on, August 31, 2018, in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by family and friends.
Leonard lived an extraordinary life whose foundation was built on his love of Christ. This foundation would be his greatest legacy to his children and grandchildren. Leonard graduated from South San High School in 1958 and briefly served in the Air Force, where he was awarded an honorable discharge. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Mary’s University in 1977 while working full time.
In his youth, he worked with his father driving trucks and running their family owned restaurant. While in high school he worked part-time as a janitor at Wilford Hall and upon graduation worked at Valley High National Bank before being hired with the Archdiocese. He worked at San Fernando Cemetery and would later be promoted to Superintendent at Holy Cross Cemetery. With a courageous leap of faith, he opened his own St. Farm Insurance Agency in San Antonio’s Southside. Leonard was an active member of the community. He was the founder of the Southside Merchant’s Association, Board Member of the Southside Chamber of Commerce, President of the Archdiocese Credit Union and Board Member of St. Joseph’s Credit Union. As a parishioner of St. Helena’s Catholic Church, he served as President of the Parish Council, was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Chapter, and started the CYO program, where he would coach his children.
Through all his accomplishments, his greatest joy came from his wife Teresa Villarreal Rodriguez and his two children, Leonard Brennan and Lauren. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, respect and commitment. He was a kind and loving husband, a gentle and involved dad, an amazing friend and a great golf partner.
Leonard’s life slowed dramatically at the prime of his adulthood after suffering a debilitating illness, Leonard became a source of strength and was a spiritual rock for his family and loved ones. He saw his children graduate from high school and college, marry and enter into their careers, and knew and loved all his grandchildren. He never missed a birthday, family or holiday celebration and enjoyed lunches and dinners at his favorite restaurants. He loved playing dominoes, spending time in his hammock or sunroom and telling great stories. His wit and humor were always present and he enjoyed sharing past memories.
Leonard will be dearly missed by family and friends. He accepted the life God gave him and came to terms with his condition peacefully and with humility over the years. What he lost in the world, he gained spiritually.
Leonard is predeceased by his father, Claudio Rodriguez. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Teresa V. Rodriguez; son, Leonard B. Rodriguez and wife Jennifer; daughter, Lauren T. Thompson and husband Wes; and beloved grandchildren Elizabeth and Rebecca Rodriguez and Alayna and Brennan Thompson. Leonard is also survived by his mother, Julia Mora and her husband, Joe Mora; sisters Linda and husband Frank Garza; Carolyn and husband Andy Diaz; and Patricia and husband Michael Huebenthal; and brother, Joseph Rodriguez.
