Alejandro "Alex" Roberto Rodriguez

Alejandro Alex Rodriguez, 25, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning, December 13, 2018. This sudden loss has caused a deep broken-heartedness in the lives of those who were closest to him, however, the impact that Alexs life makes on this world will never be forgotten. His loving mother, Norma; his brother and sister, Tony & Julianna; and countless other family members and friends lives are forever shaped by Alexs influence.

Born on April 23, 1993 in Antioch, CA, Alex is the second of three children born to Norma Rodriguez. Alex and his siblings spent their early years in Antioch before moving to Whittier at the age of 6. At a very early age, Alex was known to be a very bright and impressionable young man. He was commonly singled out by his teachers as having a bright intellect and was usually a teachers-favorite. First attending Los Altos Elementary School in Whittier, he was taken under the wing of Mrs. Cassell, his kindergarten teacher. He was influenced by Ms. Silvestri, his first grade teacher, into a love for football, particularly the UCLA Bruins. His love-affair with UCLA came to an abrupt end when Alexs first male teacher convinced him to change his support to the USC Trojans, Alexs mom recounts. From that time on, there was no looking back to UCLA. Another teacher who was particularly instrumental in Alexs life was Ms. Jacobus. Ms. Jacobus was more of a family-member than a teacher, evidenced at one point by assisting Alex to create a large banner to surprise his mother that read Congratulations Mom when Norma completed her college education.

As Alex grew, he became particularly more robust in his interests. By the third grade, Alex was fascinated with American History, and could recite, from memory, the Gettysburg Address in its entirety. This shift towards his intellectual development didnt diminish his love of sports, rather it caused it to grow; Alex began being interested in baseball, especially the Los Angeles Dodgers (which was also a favorite of Ms. Jacobus). He had a gift for integrating his sharp mind into the world of sports, reciting batting averages from practically any player; this was most certainly why he was able to meld his intellect into his love of sports.

Alex has grown to be such a well-rounded young man. In his 8th Grade year, Alex won Best Overall Student at Rancho Starbuck Intermediate School. His intelligence helped him socially; he loved people. His family recalls his ability to make anyone feel welcome in his presence by opening his arms and having that look in his eyes that says, I love you. This was the evidence that you were officially accepted as his friend. He developed a tight-knit group of friends through his high school years. He was practically inseparable from this group. They were known to be together all the time, celebrating festive times together such as Friends-giving and ugly sweater parties during the holidays. His group of friends swelled to others who would just show up at the house, affectionately coming to be known as The House Friends most of whom he still has vibrant relationships with to this day.

Another aspect of Alexs dynamic personality is his talent with music. He was self-taught in his drumming skills, mostly through the videogame Rockband. He could play music for hours with his brother, Tony. His mom would watch, proudly, as the two of them as they would riff together and create music on the fly as if it were nothing. And as it relates to Alexs protective instinct over his sister, his feelings would never be misunderstood for Julianna (or Jujus as he affectionately called her). Yes, he would do anything in his power to protect his sister. The most notable incident of brotherly-protection was when Alex prepared a letter for one of Juliannas suitors when she was attending a high school dance. Alex took special care to craft his words (and his intentions) to Juliannas date. Having their brother, Tony, read these words aloud to both families when her date arrived to pick her up made for quite the surprising (and effective) means for ensuring that Jujus was going to be properly cared for on that special evening.

Alexs strongest attribute had to be his love of learning. His brother, Tony, describes him as a true philosopher (lover of wisdom). He loved to think of big ideas and the impacts of those ideas on history, culture and societies. There was no sphere, whether sports, school, friendships, music and family that Alex didnt leave an impression on through his life.

A Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 12:00pm at The Harmony Center for Spiritual Living, 12907 Bailey St., Uptown Whittier. A visitation will take place on Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 5:00pm 7:00pm at The Harmony Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution towards the Rodriguez Family Fund which will be utilized to take Alexs cremated remains to Italy, a wish of Alex.