RODRIGO ELIZONDO SR.

MCALLEN – Rodrigo Elizondo Sr., 90, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 26, 2017. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Elizondo and daughter Christy Baldazo, his parents Felipe and Melchorita Elizondo, four brothers, Armando, Oscar, David and Felipe Elizondo all from Pharr. Rodrigo was born March 14, 1926, in Pharr, Texas and lived most of his life in McAllen. He leaves behind his children, Blanca (Henry) Sanchez of Sharyland, Rodrigo “Rudy” (Dolly) Elizondo of McAllen, Rosy Lopez of San Antonio, Charlie (Pauline) Elizondo of McAllen, Mitzi (Mario) Valdez of Houston; his loving sisters, Belia Gutierrez, Olga Lea, Elva Benitez and Lydia Campos; grandchildren, Marissa (Corey) Gilbert, Michelle (Billy) Burton, Andy Lopez, Laura (John) Justin, Tom (Alex) Baldazo, Brandi (Daniel) Hawkins, Ashley Valdez, Enid, Elize and Edward Sanchez, Michael and Nicholas Padron; greatgrandchildren, Lindsey and Jacob Gilbert, Johnny and Bianca Aguirre, Olivia and Kayla Justin, Michaella and Kimberly Burton, Nadia Chapa; son-in-law, Charlie Baldazo. He proudly served his country as a Sergeant in World War II. While stationed at Fort Knox, he was selected as the first Hispanic to march in the opening ceremonies of the Kentucky Derby in 1944. Rodrigo was one of a kind and an “A” class individual who was well respected and loved by many. The family extends a special Thank You to his caregiver, Ana Llanas and Elvia Sanchez, Allegiance Home Health Care, St. Joseph Hospice and McAllen Heart Hospital ICU Staff. Visitation was held from 4 to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary Sunday, Jan. 29, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service took place at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery. Military honors were conducted by VFW Post 8788 of McAllen. Funeral services were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of San Juan.