Pedro A. Rodríguez, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, December 1, 2022. He was surrounded by his wife, Cynthia, and family.

He was born on July 25, 1936, on the Westside of San Antonio in his family home to Guadalupe G. Rodríguez and Pedro R. Rodríguez.

Pedro was an arts administrator, educator, army veteran, and artist who exhibited in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Illinois, Mexico, and the Caribbean. He served as a member of the Cultural Diversity and Legislative Committee of the Arts and National Endowment of the Arts, as well as many other Latino arts committees and organizations.

Among his many achievements were that he founded and directed the Chicano Studies Program at Washington State University. Pedro received many awards throughout his career and lifetime.  Some of his many awards included the Hispanic Salute Award for Outstanding contributions toward Quality Education and Literacy in the San Antonio community, the Amicus Award for Outstanding Support of the Arts, the Special Award for Community Service, and Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) for Excellence in Community Service and countless other awards too numerous to mention.

Pedro served as Executive Director at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center for 14 years.  During his tenure, the institution became what is now recognized as one of the leading Chicano/Latino multidisciplinary community-based art centers locally, nationally, and internationally.  Under his leadership, development, and team building, Pedro led the GCAC in their vision of promoting and preserving Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture through multidisciplinary programming.  Pedro was also one of the founding members of NALAC, the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture.  He was a self proclaimed rancher/farmer on his very own "ranchito" named La Segunda Victoria.  He loved fishing and would go to the coast during the summers.  He also loved to garden and would often share his bounty.  Pedro was a passionate advocate for his community and culture.  During the 1960's, Pedro was a member of the Raza Unida Party and fiercely participated in demonstrations and boycotts.  He was a true educator and mentor and loved sharing his knowledge.  Pedro maintained many meaningful friendships with some of his students that continued beyond the classroom.  He was fearless and always fought for the underdog.  Pedro loved to expose his family to Mexican culture.  To his family, he was the king of corny jokes.  One of Pedro's many hobbies was playing his acoustic guitar; he loved playing flamenco music.  He was a loving husband, was an awesome father, and will be greatly missed.

Pedro was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe G. and Pedro R. Rodriguez; and his brother, Guadalupe Gonzalez

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Cynthia Cortez; his children, Eva Garcia, Adon Rodriguez, Nicole Rodriguez, and Bianca Puleo; siblings, Andrew G. Cano, Juanita Silvia R. Ehlers, Jose Enrique Rodriguez, and Elias G. Rodriguez; 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Visitation will begin on Monday, December 12, at 5:00 PM with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at The Angelus Chapel, 1119 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, Texas 78215.

Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, December 13, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1321 El Paso Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207.

Interment will follow at San Fernando Archdiocesan Cemetery No. 2, 746 Castroville, San Antonio, Texas 78237