Calvin Joseph Rodriguez Sr.

Calvin Joseph Rodriguez Sr., age 84, of Metairie, LA, peacefully departed this world on at 8am on December 7, 2023. He was born on July 6th, 1939, in Lafayette, LA, to the late Aurelia and Milton Rodriguez Sr.

Calvin's life was a testament to his prolific legacy, his faith, and his amazing family. He spent 63 beautiful years married to his high school sweetheart, Sonya Elmira Guidroz Rodriguez. Together, they built a loving family that included nine children: Calvin (Liz), Denise Soto, Alan (Michelle), Maria (Vinay) Vaidya, Amy (Jim) Bell, Nancy (Luis) Hays, Michael (Melissa), Jonathan (Michelle), Alex (preceded in death in infancy); 38 grandchildren Amy, Jenny Rodriguez, Jessica {Nic}: [Penelope, Willa] Soto Mancuso, Jennifer {Casey} [Landon, Gavin, Skylar & Brodie] Soto Carpenter, Jillian {Bruce}: [Junior & Casey] Soto Carruth, Andrea {Andy}: [Adam, Alex, Asher] Rodriguez Chappel, Laura {Ray}: [Katarina, Matthew] Rodriguez Williams, Angela Rodriguez Igmire; Paul {Hannah}: [Greyson, Grant, Ellie, Emerson] Rodriguez, Sarah {Jacob} Rodriguez {Zamarron}, Rahul, Leah & Sophia Vaidya, Alexis {Andrew}: [Maggie] Adame McClelland, Stephen {Sarah: Rayne, Rider, Aviana} Adame, Aleshia {Gary}: [Izabella, JoJo, Eli] Adame Reyes, Ashten {Matthew} Adame Fisher, Seth {Alyssa}: [Evelyn, Amelia, Raylynn (died in infancy) & Abel IV] Adame, Rebecca {Jon Michael} [Luke William Ira] Hays Lavergne, Olivia, Andrew Hays; Tony, Haley {Mitchell} Rodriguez Miller, Mikayla, Gabby, Mason, Chloe, Logan Rodriguez; Emily, Briana, David, Bryan, Phillip, Madeline Rodriguez , and 32 great-grandchildren [listed above in brackets]. His birth family included his late Sister Carmen Erdman {Sid: Keith, Lawrence, Linda {Jim: Sidney, Sean}, David {Donna: Ashton, Zachary}, Wayne {Nadear: Tyyah}. Brother Darryl Rodriguez {Madelyn: Maggie {Paul Lobell} & Courtney {Alyssa Morgan}.
Family in law: his late In-laws: Junior Severin Guidroz (2000), Elmira Cheramie Guidroz (1978) Joan Guidroz Rodrigue (2001) {Anidas: Sable, Anidas {Heather}, Sarchie}, Jane Guidroz Berthelot {Bill (2012): Suzanne {Chris: Alyssa [Michael {Michael}, Bethany}, Michelle {Glen: Jarod, Corrine}, William Jr {William III, And 2nd sister: Joy Guidroz (Rodriguez:) Schoust [Tillman (2021)]{Angela (2020), Milton (2004) {Lauren, Lacey, Jaden}, Annette {Alex {Ciara: Charlie & Luca}, Kevyn {Andrea : Ava, Mason }

Calvin and Sonya's love story began when they met at the age of 15 in high school in Jefferson Parish on the West Bank. They shared the ambition to be well educated so that they could support a large family (dreaming of having 12 children), and their life journey together took them through various challenges and triumphs. Sonya became a Registered Nurse, while Calvin pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering & spent his career as a professional licensed engineer in the oil field & power generation. Their deep faith and trust in God guided them through both the challenges and blessings of life.

Fifteen years into their marriage, they discovered Marriage Encounter, where they learned valuable communication methods. Inspired by their newfound knowledge, they dedicated 13 years to volunteering with Engaged Encounter, helping young couples build strong foundations for their marriages.

In the face of adversity, Calvin and Sonya's unwavering faith in God was a beacon of hope. When Calvin needed a new aortic heart valve, they prayed and trusted in God's plan, leading to a successful surgical procedure and a renewed lease on life.

Their recent move from Texas to Louisiana after 40 years, in the midst of a challenging Texas blizzard, showcased their trust in divine guidance. Through prayer and trust in God's will, they found their way back home to Louisiana where their 4 daughters live.

Calvin is predeceased by his parents: Milton Rodriguez (1987), Aurelia Guidry Rodriguez (2007), son Alex Andrew Rodriguez (1982), nephew Milton Rodriguez Jr. (2004), niece & 1st godchild: Angela Marie Rodriguez (2020) {who was whom he shares the same heavenly homecoming day with (just 3 years apart), sister Carmen Rodriguez Erdman (2021), and brother Milton Rodriguez Sr. (2021) & great granddaughter Raylynn Adame (2022). He now joins them and many others in eternal peace.

Calvin's final act of generosity was to donate his body to science to further medical research and help future generations. His remains will be cremated, and a private family gathering will be held to honor his memory once they are returned to us in a few weeks. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Calvin's life was held on December 8th at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. A memorial celebration and reception will be held on December 30th 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Copeland's Towers, 2601 Severn Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002. Family & friends are invited to attend, please RSVP to Denise or Maria via text or messenger.

Calvin's legacy of love, faith, and family will live on through the countless lives he touched. His memory will forever be cherished by his surviving family members, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.