Raul Rodriguez

Raul Rodriguez 83 of Sunnyside passed away August 13, 2016 in Sunnyside WA. He was born in Edinburg, Texas August 31, 1932 to Jose and Sophia Rodriguez. He spent his early years in Texas and migrated back and forth between Sunnyside Washington and Edinburg Texas with his family to work in 1948. He graduated from Pharr-San Juan Alamo in Edinburg Texas and joined the Air Force in 1952 and spent four years serving in the military as an air flight mechanic. Raul married the love of his life Elida (Lita) Calvillo in 1957 they started out as childhood friends in Texas. In March of 1957 they started dating and were married December 27, 1957. Soon after they started their family. Together with their first two children they made the move to Sunnyside Washington for good in 1961. Raul was the familiar face behind the window of the Post Office, greeting everyone who walked in by name. Before working behind the counter at the Post Office he was a mail carrier. In 1986 he retired from working. Dad was a member of the US Postal Workers Union, he loved playing the guitar and was self taught, an avid hunter, bowler, working with wood and fishing, all of which he passed on to his son’s and grandkids. Many memories of all the Family outings and fun times that were spent together. Raul is preceded in death by his parents Jose Maria and Sophia Rodriguez and infant brother Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Elida (Lita) Rodriguez; Sons; Raul (Ruth) Rodriguez Jr. and Tom (Rene) Rodrigez. Daughters; Lita Gonzalez and Anita (Gilbert) Briones. Ten grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. A Memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Monday August 22, 2016 with military honors at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside. Condolences can be sent to www.valleyhillsfh.com Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside is in care of all arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raul Rodriguez, please visit our flower store.