Colonel Albert F. Rodriguez, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on Monday, Jan 7, 2013. Colonel Rodriguez served our country for 35 years and 6 months and was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam. He served our country in Vietnam from 1964 to 1969. Colonel Rodriguez was wounded twice and brought down four times in his helicopter by enemy fire. His unit was the 7th of the First Air Calvary.

Colonel Rodriguez served as the Army Defense Attaché to El Salvador. During his duty in El Salvador he rescued 200 Salvadoran and 25 Americans held hostage by leftist groups. During his years of service he was awarded 68 medals and 8 foreign medals from El Salvador, Argentina and Japan. His dedication to his country not only included military service but public duty as he served as Mayor of Douglas, Arizona from 1978-1980.

Colonel Rodriguez will be missed by all who had the fortune to know him. His list of friends and colleagues grew through his service in veteran’s organizations, civic activities and affiliations. The list of his involvement spans from forming a Police Boys Club in Douglas, The American Red Cross, Saint Vincent de Paul, American Legion, Military Officers Association, Distinguished Flying Cross Society, managed Little League baseball, Legislative Liaison for League of United Latin American Citizens and Boys Scouts of America to name a few.

Colonel Rodriguez is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Anita, his sons Albert (Frances), Daniel (Jeri), Michael (deceased), David (Susan), Andy (Yuko), and John (Allison), 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and his brother Arturo (Betty).

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal and love leaves a memory no one can steal. We will miss our husband, father, grandfather and friend but he leaves us blessed with knowing and loving him and with a lifetime of wonderful memories. With these memories he will live forever in our hearts.

A visitation will be held Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 6-8pm, Rosary will be held at 7pm at Messinger Indian School Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, Arizona. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Monday, January 14, 2012 at 10 am, burial to follow at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley and the American Cancer Society.