Joseph David Rodriguez, 50, son of Nellie and Leonel Rodriguez, was born May 19, 1972, in Blythe, CA, and entered eternal rest surrounded by family and friends on October 17, 2022.

He is preceded in death by his father, Leonel Rodriguez; his paternal grandparents, Octaviano and Isabel Rodriguez; maternal grandparents, Felix Ybarra and Erlinda Ramirez; aunts, Isabel R. Rodriguez, Emilda Rodriguez; uncles, Benjamin Rodriguez, Peter Ybarra, Antonio Ybarra; and cousins Magdalena Rodriguez, Fernando Rodriguez, and Miguel Urias.

He is survived by his mother, Nellie Rodriguez; sister, Rachel Rodriguez; brothers, Leonel L. Rodriguez (Angela), Aaron Rodriguez (Tania), and Matthew Rodriguez; nieces Monica Rodriguez, Miranda Rodriguez, and Martina Rodriguez; nephew, Brian Diaz; and great-nephew Leonel Rosario.

At Palo Verde High School, Joey lettered in track and cross country and always tried to break his father's mile time but never could. He served as ASB president and Class of 1990 president, not knowing back then that he would forever be our leader. He was co-editor of the Yearbook, Prom King, active in drama and numerous other clubs. He will be remembered as a talented dancer with an amazing sense of style and a contagious smile. Joey showed up for everyone and everything, was always down to celebrate weddings, birthdays, graduations, and "wanted one time to see you laughing."

Joey studied law and sociology at UC Santa Barbara and political science at UC Riverside. He was a die-hard Seahawks fan, loved to watch Lakers basketball and Dodgers baseball. He was a wealth of knowledge about numerous topics and could school you on all kinds of music, especially Prince.

After 30 years at Albertsons, Joey retired in March 2020 so that he could spend his time writing stories about growing up on South Fifth Street, where he returned frequently for a home cooked meal and family wisdom. Nothing was more important to him than family. You didn't have to be blood to be held close to his heart, to be called brother or sister.

Joey spent the last 17 years with the love of his life, Steven Anders in Rancho Mirage. Together they shared responsibility for their beloved dogs, vacationed in Santa Barbara and Puerto Vallarta, and enjoyed meals at Shame on the Moon and Cactus Jack's.

Joey worked hard, played harder, and encouraged us all to live life to the fullest. He was our hub, the central point so many of us gravitated toward. If he called you "friend," you knew you could count on him for support, encouragement, and maybe a little financial advice. When you showed up at his house, he always insisted on sharing something delicious to eat, a drink, and memories. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity. Now that he has entered "a world of never ending happiness," he would want us to look out for each other while he continues to do the same.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the Colorado River Fairgrounds, 591 Olive Lake Blvd., Blythe, CA 92225.