Obituary of Gerardo Rodriguez

Gerardo (Jerry) Rodriguez, 58, passed away peacefully at his home in Frisco, Texas on Friday, March 27, 2020. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Renee, and his best buddy, son Christopher. Jerry was born in Houston, Texas to Olivia and Gilberto Rodriguez, Sr. He received most of his early education in Houston, but also some elementary education in Mexico. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1979, and afterwards pursued his interest in engineering, earning his degree from the University of Houston. During his more than thirty years in the world of engineering, Jerry left his signature on numerous projects spanning states and countries, including professional buildings, hospitals, museums, restaurants, hotels and entertainment centers. Some memorable projects, each with a special significance to Jerry, included the Sam Houston Race Park, Texas Children’s Hospital, UCLA Medical, Getty Villa Museum and the George H. Bush Presidential Library. Jerry was a long-time and loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, so he was excited to have had “The Star” as one of his many engineering projects. To every social gathering with family, friends or even acquaintances, Jerry added his expertise, not only as a sports enthusiast, but also as a wine, beer and food aficionado. He was a devotee of all food channels – he was such a “foodie”. Jerry’s quiet and humble Catholic faith brought opportunities for him to engage in activities and behavior that displayed his determination to live the life the Lord would want. His participation as a Knight of Columbus was an example of how he contributed to so many. When a suggestion to comfort, celebrate, or spoil was made, Jerry would seldom admit to being the instigator, but his love and kindness was felt by everyone who knew him. Jerry’s love for his wife Renee was obvious in so many ways, but none more than the way he adopted the Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) community as his own. Through her journey with rare, chronic illness Jerry was a light that shined, not only in supporting his wife, but many others through his attendance at community events, walks, and simply by his support of her advocacy. Jerry was an example to all who are supporting a loved one living with chronic illness, and his example gave many, hope. Jerry’s family would like to thank everyone who offered support, comfort and love in his journey with salivary gland cancer. Your culinary treats, cards, emails and calls showed the encouragement and concern that helped to surround Jerry with light and love when he needed it most. Our beloved Jerry is survived by his wife, Yvonne Renee Rodriguez, son Christopher Rodriguez, parents Gilberto Sr. and Olivia Rodriguez, brother and sister-in-law Gilberto Jr. and Gloria Rodriguez, in-laws Elizabeth Martinez and Eusebio and Susan Benavidez, Joseph and Lorraine Benavidez, Robert Benavidez and partner Diana Flores, Susana and Greg Voigt, nieces and nephews: Danielle (Rodriguez) and Matthew Clark, Eric Rodriguez and partner Sarah Long, Jasmine Benavidez, Garrett Benavidez, Savanna Voigt, and Annabelle Voigt. He is mourned by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, faithful friends and co-workers. At this time, in view of the medical crisis in our country, services are being held in abeyance. Services to include a funeral mass and settlement in a columbarium will be announced at a future date.