Manuel Cota Rodriguez

Manuel Cota Rodriguez age 83, loving husband, father, brother, church community leader and man of great compassion and faith, passed away peacefully to God's eternal Kingdom on Monday, January 3, 2011. Mr. Rodriguez was born on July 23, 1927 in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico. Mr. Rodriguez is survived by his wife of 63 years of marriage, Gilda Rodriguez along with ten children, Carmen, Victor, Jesus, Juan, Maggie, Rogelio, Eduardo, Elizabeth, Gilbert and Alex Rodriguez along with their respective families; 22 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Mr. Rodriguez is preceded in death by his daughter, Alma Rosa who died at the young age of 16 years in 1968. Mr. Rodriguez moved to Nogales, Sonora in his teens to launch his life long career in Jewelry and watch repair, becoming a certified expert in Rolex Watches. His career included working for jewelry stores in Nogales and Tucson Arizona. In 1963, Mr. Rodriguez immigrated his growing young family to the United States of America - a nation he loved and believed in its promise. Mr. Rodriguez had a natural gift for singing and loved playing the piano. He and his wife Gilda formed and lead various church related choir groups for many years. One could often also find the loving pair selflessly praying for the sick and elderly at hospitals and home visits every weekend. Their concern for the health and welfare of others is a remarkable living reminder of God's spirit of service on earth. Together, they are credited for founding what has since become a vibrant Latino community at their church. We love you Abuelito! Your shinning example of faith gives all of us hope. You will always be treasured in the hearts and minds of everyone whose lives you graced. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2011 at St. Cyril of Alexandria Church located at 4725 East Pima Street, Tucson, AZ. A Mass will then take place in Nogales on Friday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nogales, AZ. A Private Enurnment will be held for the final resting place for Mr. Rodriguez at the Nogales City Cemetery at a later time. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Cyril of Alexandria Church. Funeral Services entrusted to MARTINEZ FUNERAL CHAPELS. 2580 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ.