Rev. Henry Rodriguez
Deceased: 2016-08-04
Diocese: SAN DIEGO
Seminary Graduation Year: 1986
Father Henry Rodriguez Jr., 61 years old, of San Diego, California, passed away on August 4, 2016. He was a native San Diegan, born March 25, 1955, and raised in the Southcrest neighborhood. He devoted his life to work for the people of his hometown, as well as ministering to those affected by HIV, AIDS, drugs, and poverty. His ministry was that of a bridge-builder, crime fighter and voice for the people.
Although Father Henry began his education in San Diego, his studies spanned the globe. He attended Mesa College, and graduated from the University of San Diego with a major in Philosophy and Sociology in 1981. He pursued graduate studies at St. John’s University in Minnesota and in Israel. He also attended the North American College in Rome where he completed his Bachelor of Sacred Theology. In 1986 he completed the Masters of Arts program from the Angelicum and Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained for the Diocese of San Diego on July 12, 1986.
Newly ordained, he was assigned to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Parish in Chula Vista. During this time he served as a chaplain with the Chula Vista Police Department. After 4 years, Father Rodriguez transferred to St. Jude’s Shrine of the West to minister to the residents of southeast San Diego. Through this assignment, he quickly emerged as an integral figure with a coalition known as San Diego Organizing Project. This interfaith group of church communities represented more than 40,000 families whose purpose was to improve San Diego neighborhoods hardest hit by violence and drugs. Father Henry continued his quest to better lives by serving as chaplain with the San Diego Fire and Rescue Team, San Diego Hospice, Scripps Mercy Hospital, the San Diego Police Department and the local field office of the FBI. He served as a board member for several organizations addressing concerns and the creation of youth diversity programs, substance abuse and rehabilitation programs, and awareness of migrant and border issues. He continually was striving for quality education and opportunities for the future of all communities.
Father Henry also found time to become an avid marathon runner. He ran the Boston Marathon in 2004 and later proudly ran the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon. Father Henry will be remembered mainly by the many lives he touched with his kindness, mercy and love for his fellow man. All those who knew him were better people because of the great examples of Christianity he lived by. He will continue to live in their hearts forever.
Father Henry was predeceased by his father, Henry Sr. and his brother Vincent. He is survived by his mother, Jennie, of National City and siblings Jennie and Gloria of National City, Linda of San Diego, and brother Jess of San Diego. His cherished pet dogs, Tan and Bingo. His legacy include his nieces, Cherice, Stephanie, Ariel, Heather and nephews, David, and Michael. In addition, great nieces Briauna, Kassidy, Kylie and great nephew Sebastian.
A viewing will be held at St. Jude’s Shrine of the West on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Jude’s on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Eternal resting place will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego, CA
