On February 8, 2012 this world lost an angel when Ildefonso Rodriguez Sr. passed away peacefully in his home after 94 incredible years of life. A long-term Culver City resident, he is survived by his wife of 68 years, Isabel Rodriguez, brother Joel, sisters Idis and Ibia, children Isabel Lambert-Rodriguez, Nuria Rodriguez and Ildefonso Rodriguez Jr., grandchildren Elizabeth Mowry, Louis (Tito) Abascal, Isamery Rogers, Jenny Rodriguez-Fee and Ildefonso Kiley Rodriguez, and great grandchildren Brian Mowry, Isabella Rogers and Brady Fee. He was loved and cherished by his in-laws, Bill Layton, Cindy Rodriguez, AtoosaAbascal, Joe Mowry, Ryan Fee and Jessica Rodriguez, as well as many more extended family members and friends.
Ildefonso Rodriguez Sr. was born on September 12, 1917 in Baracoa,Oriente, Cuba to parents Alfonsa and Severino Rodriguez. He was one of 10 children with brothers Severino, Rene, Joel, Pascual, and Roberto and sisters Milagros, Idis, Ibia and Rosalina. On June 18, 1944 he married his true love IsabelGispertDiaz whom he loved fully for 68 years until his passing.
In Cuba, Ildefonso owned and ran El Bisel Mirror and Glass Company with his brothers, with offices in Camaguey, Santa Clara and Havana. In search for a better life for his family, Ildefonso left Cuba and arrived in America in December 1963. Ildefonso embodied the quintessential “American Dream.” He established his home in Culver City, CA and started MIR Glass and Construction with his brother in-laws, a company and legacy that has been continued to this day by his grandson Louis Abascal.
An avid poet and songwriter, his writings centered around his love for his family. This was a man who was most happy when spending time with his family and watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and prosper. As a husband, brother, father and grandfather he brought such joy to all of our lives.
Services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230, on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. Flowers and condolences can be sent directly to Holy Cross. For information on funeral time and viewing time, please contact Holy Cross at (310) 836-5500.
“La vidanos da alegriasi la sabemosbuscar.” ~ Ildefonso Rodriguez Sr.
