Abraham Rodriguez Jr.

ABRAHAM RODRIGUEZ JR.

July 08, 1943 - November 27, 2022

Abraham Rodriguez, Jr., better known as Bibi, a loving husband, father, grandfather, man of God and lifelong public servant went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, November 27^th, 2022. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Abraham and Celia Rodriguez, and his brother Rolando Rodriguez. 

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Minerva D. Rodriguez, children Abraham (Christina) Rodriguez III, Liza A. Rodriguez, Eric V. (Noni) Rodriguez, Roberto J. Rodriguez, and Daniel I. Rodriguez; grandchildren Abraham (Rebekah) Rodriguez IV., Jacob D. Rodriguez, Alina J. Duron, Aiden J. Duron, Carina N. Rodriguez, and Eric V. Rodriguez Jr.; siblings Gloria (Bano) Ramirez, Ramiro (Delores) Rodriguez, and Maria Luisa (Raul) Fernandez, as well as numerous relatives and friends. 

Abraham was an active parishioner of San Agustin Cathedral where he could always be relied upon to volunteer for any church activity from the annual “jamaicas” to the Christmas Posadas. He was the son of a mechanic and a housewife who grew up in the Azteca neighborhood of south Laredo. From humble beginnings, he recognized the importance of education, which became one of his life’s passions. Following graduation from Martin High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served a tour of duty on the U.S.S. Mississinewa. Following his service in the military, he married his junior high sweetheart, Minerva, and attended North Texas State University, ultimately obtaining a Master of Arts degree from Texas A&I University at Kingsville (Texas A&M Kingsville). Abraham also obtained professional and Life Certificates in Teaching, Guidance and Counseling, and Vocational Counseling. Additionally, he completed a program for senior executives at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government. He was appointed to the State Job Training Coordinating Council by former Governor Ann Richards and was always looking for ways to improve the lives of those most vulnerable and disenfranchised. Abraham was committed to the cause of ensuring that every person had not only the minimum to survive, but also the opportunity to thrive. To that end, he was active in numerous national and community organizations and projects, including LULAC, SER Jobs for Progress, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), American Legion Post 59, Border Olympics, Rio Grande Little League, Kids Cafe and the Webb County Youth Village to name a few. He served on the Laredo School Board for 18 years as both a member and former President and Secretary. 

As a former director of the Laredo Housing Authority, he spent many years assisting Laredoans in obtaining housing and food stability in order that they might live with dignity. In particular, during his time at the helm of the Housing Authority, he initiated numerous programs to fight gang violence and provide resources for the youth living within the projects. Also, during the over 25 years he served as director, he was instrumental in obtaining funding for the construction of numerous low-income housing projects. He was an annual volunteer at the Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas luncheon held at the LULAC Haven, a housing project primarily dedicated to the elderly. Abraham was also the Executive Director of Metropolitan Affordable Housing. Through his efforts on the board, some of the projects that were built were Gallagher Gardens, Clark’s Crossing and Cardinal Point Project in Sierra Vista. In addition to his commitment to safe and affordable housing, he was actively involved in supporting the Bethany House of Laredo, an organization established to address the needs of the homeless. 

Abraham was also a political activist and from a very young age understood the importance of voting in order to ensure that elected officials were reflective of the community and committed to meeting the needs of the people. Over the years he worked on numerous national, state and local campaigns and served as former Chair of the Webb County Democratic Party, and as a member of Southwest Voter Registration. 

His humility and quiet confidence were attributes that were admired by many. Abraham had the unique ability to mobilize people and resources toward a common goal. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading books about history and politics. He loved watching his children and grandchildren perform, play and compete in all manner of sports, band, livestock shows and other recreational activities. In more recent years he also enjoyed meeting with members of the “coffee club” each Saturday morning at Don Vicente’s where they discussed the news of the day over breakfast tacos and hot coffee. But one of his favorite pastimes was spending the day at his modest ranch, Ranchito AR. The family was blessed to celebrate many an Easter out at the “ranch” where cascarones and pinatas abounded. He was a proud veteran and active participant in the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard, even up until the time of his death. Abraham leaves behind a legacy of public service and education through his children and grandchildren. We will miss you Dad, Tito, brother, friend. 

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, December 2, 2022 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, December 3, 2022 departing at 9:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to San Martin de Porres Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Laredo City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Abraham Rodriguez III, Eric V. Rodriguez, Roberto J. Rodriguez, Daniel I. Rodriguez, Abraham Rodriguez IV, Jacob D. Rodriguez, Aiden J. Duron, and Eric V. Rodriguez, Jr.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to: The staff at the Laredo Medical Center especially the fifth floor and ICU nurses.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to: The Bethany House of Laredo.

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.