ANTHONY JAMES (A.J.) RODRIGUEZ went to his true home on Monday, March 7, 2016. Thirteen years ago he suffered a serious heart attack. We were told he might not survive that night but with the Lord’s help, a lot of faith and dogged determination he persisted 13 years till his heart just gave out. Anthony was born in Santa Fe. He grew up in the Cerro Gordo area. Except for the three years in the United States Army, he lived and went to school in Santa Fe where he became proficient in the Construction Trade.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Rodriguez and infant brother Bernardo Jr., his paternal grandparents Patrocinio and Chonita Rodriguez, and maternal grandparents Benigno and Trinidad Archuleta.
He is survived by his son Michael Anthony Rodriguez, his daughter and 5 grandchildren; his father Bernardo Rodriguez; sisters Marietta Rodriguez and Edwina Ferguson (Jim); brothers, John, Paul, Reyes (Mary), Francisco (Roberta) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm Monday, March 14, 2016 at Cristo Rey Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, with Interment services with full military honors to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:15 am Tuesday.
Pallbearers will include his brothers, John, Paul, Reyes, and Francisco Rodriguez, and his God Children, Georgianna Ronquillo and James Ferguson.