Romeo Rodriguez Sr.

Amongst the last of the Greatest Generation, World War II veteran Romeo Rodriguez Sr. passed away at the wise age of 98. Romeo was known for his jovial demeanor, his incredible electro-mechanical abilities, his welding skills, and his love for ranching. Romeo’s talents evolved from working at his father’s business, La India Packing Co. which is still in operation today at his childhood home. Together with his siblings, they packed herbs and spices obtained from all over the world, manufactured chocolate, pastas, and hand-blended spices, and delivered them in person, weekly to stores all over Texas.

In May of 1945, Romeo volunteered to fight in the U.S. Army and sailed across the Pacific to storm the beaches of Japan. While at sea, he witnessed island battles, the atomic bombings, and Japan’s historic surrender. Romeo’s teenage experience working at Laredo’s first HEB, the San Andres Dairy Co., and La India Packing Co., earned him a coveted assignment as a Pharmacy Supply Sergeant at a new U.S. Hospital in Tokyo. Unfortunately, an explosion at the base and his previous boot camp shooting range duties all led to incremental hearing loss. Nonetheless, Romeo continued his patriotic duty serving as a tank driver and Sergeant in the Army National Guard for many years.

After the war, Romeo's broad shoulders and strong work ethic caught the eye of his beautiful, fair lady Maria Guadalupe “Lupita” Dilley-Saenz. The two grew up in the same neighborhood and their paths crossed frequently, thanks in part to the operation of Lupita's family’s business, El Clavel Dairy. Romeo and Lupita wed in 1954 and celebrated 71 years of marriage together in Lupita's childhood home where they raised five boys. Romeo lived a very full life as a loving husband, an exemplary father, and a technical mentor to all - and for that his sons and his extended family remain forever grateful.

Romeo left his mark in several of Laredo’s largest facilities where he spent a lifetime working as a Maintenance Supervisor. Among those facilities were Mercy Hospital, Maquiladora Transitron, JCPenney/River Drive Mall, Laredo State University, and Texas A&M International University. He cherished the many friendships he established with his co-workers and truly valued the wonderful benefits that his years of service brought to his family - right up to his passing.

Romeo was preceded in death by his wife: Maria Guadalupe “Lupita” Saenz Rodriguez; his parents: Antonio and Antonia Rodriguez; his siblings: Oscar (Laura) Rodriguez, Maria Luisa (Joe) Olivares, Hector (Tomasa) Rodriguez, Ruben (Lupita) Rodriguez and his brother in law Abel Arce.

Romeo is survived by his loving children: Romeo (Sylvia) Rodriguez Jr., Ricardo (Patricia) Rodriguez, Rene (Dr. Sonia) Rodriguez, Roberto Eduardo (Veronica) Rodriguez and Rafael Antonio “Ralph” Rodriguez; his grandchildren: Adriana (JP) Garrigues, Jose David “JD” Rodriguez, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Stephanie Rodriguez, Audrey Rodriguez, Rick Rodriguez, Cory (Mason) Raven, Jackie Rodriguez and Diego Rodriguez; his great- grandchildren: Etienne “Eti” Garrigues, Aiden Rodriguez and Christopher Rodriguez; and his only surviving sibling: Hilda Arce.

The family will be receiving condolences on Saturday morning, February 7, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 8:30 a.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, February 7, 2026 departing at 11 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Veterans Section of the Laredo City Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the U.S Army Honor Guard and the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard.

The family would like to thank all of his medical personnel, especially those at Laredo West Nursing Home, and his caretaker, as well as the many professionals at the Laredo VA Center, whose service has been extraordinary. Mil Gracias.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Donation boxes will be made available at the funeral home and at Guadalupe Church.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.