Gregorio Sanchez Rodriguez

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Gregorio S. Rodriguez, on June 15, 2020 at the age
of 86. Gregorio (Goyo) passed away peacefully, with his wife and family by his side at his home in
Colton, California.
Goyo was born in Colton on March 31, 1934 to Francis and Gregorio Rodriguez. He graduated from
Colton High School in 1953, played and lettered in varsity baseball. Following high school, he enlisted in
the Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina - 82nd Airborne Division. Goyo recorded 19
jumps as United States Paratrooper.
He returned to Colton after being honorably discharged from the Army and married the love of his life,
Annie; and together raised five children. Goyo and Annie were world travelers, they were able to visit six
of the seven continents. He and Annie were always together either at a dance, the casino, visiting family
or taking a drive to Fairmont Park. In his spare time Goyo was on several bowling leagues, and on 5
different occasions he bowled a perfect score of 300.
Goyo volunteered at Alice Birney Elementary School where his kids went to school and his daughter
Naomi would one day teach. He also took classes at San Bernardino Valley College after retiring from
Alumax. Goyo loved to drive, especially Chevy trucks. He always had the best-looking car on the block.
Family vacations to Washington State, Alaska, Texas, camping at the Grand Canyon or water-skiing were
always a highlight for Goyo. He also loved our big family gatherings, but made sure the Lakers, Dodgers,
or Rams were always on the TV so he wouldn’t miss a game.
Goyo will be remembered as a Paratrooper, LA Dodger’s fan and a true Rams fan. He had an amazing 86
years with over 60 years as a dad, then a grandpa and a great grandpa. He was preceded in death by his
father, mother, sisters, Rafaela Mejia, Senovia Zabala and Virginia Sauceda, and his brothers Max and
Arthur Rodriguez. He is survived by his loving wife, Annie, and his five children: Naomi Rodriguez, Gregg
Rodriguez (Bonnie), Rhonda Florick (Greg), Bonnie Cruz (Arthur) and Gary Rodriguez (Darlene). Goyo’s
memory also lives on in his fourteen grandchildren: Regina, Christine, Marissa, Arthur, Gary, Valerie,
David, Catherine, Gregory, Victor, Aimee, Michael, Andy and Jeffrey; and his great-grand daughters:
Madelyn, Malayna, Olivia, Molly and his favorite great grandson Lucas. He is also survived by his sisters,
Rosa Moreno, Estella Gonzales and Mary Barrios.
Friends and family are invited to a public viewing at Colton Funeral Home between 2 and 4pm on
Thursday, June 25, 2020. A private Mass for immediate family members will take place at San Salvador
on Thursday evening. Goyo will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with Military Honors on Friday, June
26th at Hermosa cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Goyo’s memory to the American Heart
Association at PO Box 742030 Los Angeles, CA 90074-203 or at www.heart.org.