Antonio Rodriguez

December 1, 1933 - February 18, 2024

Antonio (Tony) Rodriguez passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024 in Mexicali, Baja California Mexico.  He was born on December 1, 1933 in El Azucar, Tamualipas Mexico to Octaviano and Isabel (De La Garza) Rodriguez.  His family migrated to the United States in 1947 and lived in McAllen, Texas and Mission, Texas prior to moving to California.  He and his brother Benjamin worked as Migrant Field Laborers along with their father.

The Rodriguez family moved to Blythe, California in the early 1950's.  Shortly after, Tony started working in the sheds packing melons and was known as one of the fastest packers. He traveled back and forth between Blythe and Central California.   While working in Hollister, California, he met his wife Emilda (Botello) Rodriguez.  They later got married, established their home in Blythe and had 6 children.  Tony enjoyed horse track racing and betting on horses.

Tony is preceded in death by his baby sister Yolanda and baby brother Leonel, his parents Octaviano and Isabel, his wife Emilda, his sister Isabel, his brothers Leonel and Benjamin, his sons Fernando and Carlos and his great grandson Miguel Jr.

He is survived by his sons, Manuel (Diana), Mark, Javier (Michelle) and his daughter Iliana, his siblings Ninfa and Arnold, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 12 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 137 N Ash Ave, Blythe California.