Robert Lee Rodriguez

ROBERT L. RODRIGUEZ Robert L. Rodriguez, (aka “Bobby,” “Stagger Lee”) completed his earthly journey and was called home in the early morning hours of June 28, 2021, with his sister and fur babies by his side. He was eighty-one years old. Born Robert Lee Rodriguez on July 3, 1939, in Ventura, California, Bobby was the second son of John G. and Mary F. Rodriguez, joining his sister, Rachel, and brother John Jr. His younger sister and lifelong companion, Maiya, would join the family eighteen years later. He lived in Santa Paula all his life. As a child, Bobby attended Templo Getsemani Latin American Assembly of God Church (a church his father helped construct) where he was active in Royal Rangers and his family were members. He also participated in activities at the Santa Paula Police Boys’ Club. Choosing to leave school early, Bobby immediately began working alongside his father in construction, where he remained for several years, before finding his true passion – truck driving. He drove many years for Castaneda Trucking in Santa Paula, as well as Lynch Brothers, and Tri-County Trucking, among others. He also worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator and was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12. He was known for being a very diligent, dependable, and hard worker. He always strived to get the job done. Bobby worked hard all week, but on the weekend, he would literally spend hours, upon hours, meticulously washing, waxing, detailing his car in preparation for a night of cruising the streets of Santa Paula and beyond. He loved his hometown and the surrounding areas. He had a lifelong interest in cars, motorcycles, trucks, anything with wheels. If it had an engine, he could probably fix it! He was very hands on and enjoyed giving advice and helping family and friends with auto repairs when needed. In later years, Bobby enjoyed spending time with family, friends and his fur family, watching auto auctions and classic television shows, and looking after the neighborhood cats. He loved and had compassion for all animals, especially those that were hungry or hurt. Bobby was the type of person who would call someone “friend” or his “buddy” whether he had known them for five minutes or fifty years. He was very kindhearted, generous, and giving of his time and resources, and was always willing to help. Upon his arrival in heaven, Bobby was reunited with his parents, John G. and Mary F. Rodriguez, his sister, Rachel Rodriguez-Gore, brother John F. Rodriguez, and son Robert Lee Rodriguez, Jr. He is survived by his sister, Maiya Rodriguez of Santa Paula, granddaughters Rosalie (Chris) Hill, Monique (Obrian) Rangel, Bridget (Jesse) Cerda, and grandson Josh Gutierrez, all of Bakersfield; great-grandchildren Joseph Hernandez of Redding, Marcilena Jimenez of Las Vegas, Nevada, Christopher Hill, Tristan Hill, Aiden Hill, Josiah Ledesma, Mia Arreola, Noah Rangel, Elijah Rangel, Rayanna Cerda, Jesse Cerda, Jr., Ezra Cerda, Joshua Gutierrez, Jr., Ricky Gutierrez, Emily Gutierrez, Johnny Gutierrez, Daniel Gutierrez all of Bakersfield; great-great-grandchildren Joshua Gutierrez III, Avery Gutierrez of Bakersfield; numerous nieces, cousins, and fur babies who will miss him dearly. On behalf of my brother, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude and endless appreciation to our cousins, Barbara and Jose Mendoza and Tyson Miller, for their invaluable, heaven-sent help, love, and support throughout my brother’s illness; Dr. Michael Tushla for his honesty, kindness, and compassionate medical care, and the good people of Buena Vista Home Health and Hospice Care for helping us through the last leg of my brother’s journey home. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Perez Family Funeral Home of Santa Paula. Please visit www.santapaulamortuary.com, to view a video tribute to Robert’s life and share your stories and remembrances. Visitation and viewing will be held Friday, July 9, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Perez Family Funeral Home of Santa Paula. Burial of ashes will be held at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery, Friday, July 23 at 12:00 p.m.