Community Grieves Loss, Celebrates Life of Councilman Robert F. Rodriguez

On Thursday, July 11 hundreds packed the church that councilman Robert Rodriguez called home almost every Sunday.

La Verne Church of the Brethren’s main floor and the balcony were filled with family, friends and admirers came to say their final goodbye to the councilman who died July 6 – reportedly from respiratory failure.

To almost no one’s surprise, the service began with Toby Keith’s “I Wanna Talk About Me.” The song caused a few to chuckle.

“Did everyone catch the significance of the music that opened the memorial service?” asked Job Blickenstaff, former La Verne mayor during his memorial address. “It was one of Robert’s favorite songs by Toby Keith. He loved the lyrics. He loved even more the title.”

A good song to end on would have been “My Way,” by Frank Sinatra, he joked.

The music was fitting for Rodriguez. The speakers, including his brother Jay Rodriguez, great-grand nephew James Rodriguez, and friend Bob Dyer, described a man devoted to family, friends, faith and public service.

He was the first Hispanic officer with the Pomona Police Department. He was the longest serving councilmember – serving 31 years. He served on numerous committees. He raised tens of thousands for La Verne’s Veteran Memorial.

In 1973 he organized a trip to Nicaragua to rebuild homes damaged in an earthquake. He regularly helped cooked Easter breakfasts at his church. And he claimed to have invented Jalecchini bread or a jalapeno and zucchini bread loaf, some of the speakers told a chuckling crowd. The claim was taken on good faith, most said.

While his accomplishments were praised, it was the man and his love and humor that was deeply present at Thursday’s the service.

“When I lost my brother Saturday morning, I lost more than that, I lost my best friend,” Jay Rodriguez told the crowd.

Everyday they would walk down their La Verne neighborhood to the other Spanish families where they run and play. And their bond grew stronger as they got older.

“God blessed me with the perfect brother,” Jay said as he fought through tears to end his address. “I thank God for that. I’m very grateful.”

A reception for the public was held following the service. To read a biography on Robert F. Rodriguez, click on our previous story.