Onofre Rodriguez's Obituary
Onofre Baldemar Rodriguez was born on April 22, 1948, departing this earth for his place in heaven on January 20, 2021. A native son of Roma, Texas, he is the son of the late Jose Rodriguez and Aurora Garza Rodriguez. He is survived by his treasured wife of 47 years, Susanna Salazar Rodriguez. He is the beloved father of four daughters, Veronica and her husband Dagoberto Rodriguez, Annette Rodriguez, Monica M. Decker, and Georginna and her husband Jeff Lewis. He is the proud grandfather to numerous grandchildren by blood and marriage including Dagoberto Baldemar Rodriguez, Andrew Lee Grigsby, Jennifer and her husband Mario Perez, and Robert Grigsby. He is also survived by his numerous loving siblings and their spouses, Lupita and Billy Joe Brady, Maria Teresa and Clarence Fleshman, Jose “Mike” Rodriguez, Claudia and Miguel Castillo, Roel Romeo and Maria Irma Rodriguez, Norma Rodriguez, and Hector Eloy Rodriguez. He joins in heaven his siblings Alicia Nelda and her husband (Omar Garza), Elva Rodriguez, Juan Rodriguez, and Fernando “Penny” Rodriguez.
Onofre was a cowboy from the start, born and raised in Roma, enjoying the outdoor life with his large, loving family. His love of the ranch, and riding and taming horses earned him a reputation as a true Starr County vaquero. Many residents remember seeing Onofre around the community without his cowboy hat, gleaming belt buckle and cowboy boots. A towering figure, Onofre had a smile and heart the size of Texas. He was also willing to lend an ear or a hand to any person in need, a sensibility instilled by his parents and family. He served his community in various law enforcement capacities during his youth, including as the City of Roma Police Chief from 1973 to 1975. He worked for the USDA from 1978 to 1998 as a Tick Inspector, helping keep the ranching community safe from hardship.
Onofre was a friend to many in the community who would count on him as one of the wisest persons they knew. There is no doubt his passing will be mourned by all who knew him and who had the pleasure to see him in action as the honorable and trustworthy man he was. Although, none will miss him more than the family he loved with all his heart, as well as his lifelong best friend who never left his side till the end, Heriberto Garcia.
RIP to our beloved giant of a man, Onofre B. Rodriguez.
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