Fernando Jesus Rodriguez (80), also known as Junior, Rod, and Mr. Rod, passed away November 25, 2025, in his cherished home after a 3 1/2-year courageous battle with cancer.  Born August 21, 1945, in Tucson, Arizona to Fernando and Gloria Rodriguez, he was the oldest child in a large extended family that includes his siblings Larry Rodriguez and Stella (Chunkie) Camacho, and cousins Richard Paredes, John Peter Paredes, Cathy Romo, Oscar Paredes, Olivia Dorehty, Yvonne Rossini, Manny Jr. Rossini, Nancy Rossini, Judy Rossini, Irma Valenzuela, Norma Alday,  Aida (JoJo) Valenzuela, Gloria Altemus, all of whom looked up to Junior as a role model who paved the way through school and life.

Growing up in a wonderful neighborhood near Reid park, living next door to his seven closest cousins, aunt and uncle, he formed strong bonds with his childhood friends that kept them connected all through their lives.  Family, friends and faith were central in his life.

Rod attended St. Ambrose Catholic Church for catechism and youth groups all through high school.  As a Tucson High School Badger, he was on the Track Team (lettering in Pole Vault), graduating in 1963.  He earned a B.A. in Education from the University of Arizona in 1973, which prepared him for his life’s work as an elementary school teacher.

He began working while still young shining shoes (his first job) and working with his father in a furniture building shop.  He later worked at Franklins Men's Clothing store and the Broadmoor Pharmacy while in high school and as a university student to pay his university tuition.

 After earning his teaching degree, he became an elementary classroom teacher in TUSD for 27 years, teaching at Hollinger, Fruchthendler, and John B. Wright elementary schools.  “Mr. Rod” found his calling in teaching, connecting with students in positive long-lasting ways. 

In addition to classroom teaching, he coached an after-school Cross Country team and sponsored the Safety Patrol.  He also coached Fleet Feet Striders, a private track club for high school students.  His influence caused many students to stay in contact with him over the years.  After retiring in 2000, he volunteered at the VA and for Mobile Meals. 

Rod loved building and creating projects around the house.  His garden was his pride and joy; he continually added and rearranged plants to create a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city.  His favorite vacation was Fly fishing in the White Mountains.  

He enjoyed listening (and sometimes playing his drum set) to R&B oldies, Country Western music, and Mexican/Spanish music.  His love of music connected him to memories of family and friends.  He was always ready to help a neighbor or friend, lending tools, repairing/making projects, giving advice and support.  Keeping in touch with former students, colleagues, neighbors and friends was his trademark, bringing him joy and comfort especially in his last years.

He is survived by beloved wife, Gloria Day, who cherished and cared for him during his battle with cancer.  He is also survived by brother Larry Rodriguez (Tamie), sister Stella "Chunkie" Camacho (David), Aunt GP Montijo and his loving cousins as noted above. 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Gloria and Fernando Rodriguez, aunts Mary Valenzuela (Joe), Emma Rossini (Manny), Blanche Hansen (Guy), Connie Lopez (Albert), uncles Oscar Paredes (Tebby) Ralph Montijo, cousins Anna Cota-Robles and Mona Zazueta (Victor).

Rod was a devoted and loving husband, brother, uncle, teacher, friend, who was generous, funny, kind, dedicated, caring, and creative.  

His faith, his family and his community were priorities in his life. He was so grateful and blessed to become a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church this year.  Rod will be deeply missed but also remembered with much love and appreciation.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at Northminster Presbyterian Church 2450 E. Ft. Lowell Rd, Tucson, AZ.  A reception at the church will follow the service.

Donations in Rod’s memory may be made to The Tucson Family Food Project, Northminster Presbyterian Church Music Ministry, Mobile Meals, and/or Tucson Badgers Hall of Fame.