Deacon Juan Rodriguez

Deacon Juan Miguel Rodriguez, age 91, died peacefully at home on December 19, 2021. Our dear Juan was born on May 15, 1930 in Santa Fe, NM to Isabelita and Juan Rodriguez y Moya. He married the love of his life, Marie Pacheco, on December 26, 1959 in Maxwell, NM. On July 27, 1976, in Maxwell, NM, Juan was ordained to the permanent diaconate by Archbishop Robert F. Sanchez.  Juan is preceded in death by his loving wife Marie, his parents, siblings Facundo (Eloisa), Eduardo (Margaret), Delfina (Jay) Foley, and Juanita, brothers-in-law Tony Gonzales and Tom Lavadie, and nephews Mark Rodriguez and Robert Foley.

Juan is survived by his siblings Josie Gonzales and Libby Lavadie, children Libby (Edward) Gonzales, Deacon Maurice (Theresa) Rodriguez, Euphrasia (Christopher) Romero, and Juan Rodriguez, Jr. He is also survived by his grandchildren Anthony (Victoria) Rodriguez, Carlos (Kate) Rodriguez, Alisa (Casey) Hehir, Jacob Romero, and Marcos Gonzales.  He also leaves behind his beloved great grandchildren, Teagan Marie, Ignazio Valentino, Ellodi Rhiannon Rodriguez and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Juan was a faithful and loving son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and tio. Deacon Juan’s profound and deep faith sustained him throughout his long life where he was surrounded by people he loved and who loved him.

Juan’s family sincerely thanks Dr. Gerzain Chavez for the years of compassionate care. Many thanks to Del Corazon Hospice - especially Dr. Kathleen Maley, Allissa, Judy, Don, and Meaghan for their kindness and care. Special and loving appreciation to Father Daniel Balizan, Father Jordan Sanchez, Father James Sanchez, Father Mark Granito, and Father Michael DePalma for providing prayer and sacraments in recent years.

A funeral vigil with rosary is Thursday, December 30 at 6:00 pm at Santa Maria De La Paz Catholic Church.  Funeral Mass is Friday, December 31 at 10:00 am at Santa Maria De La Paz Catholic Church.  Internment is Tuesday, January 11 at 9:45 am at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Deacon Juan's name to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Seminarian Endowment and mailed to Archdiocese of Santa Fe, 4000 St. Joseph’s Place NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.