Manuel was the consummate educator: taught junior high social studies in Wellton, Gadsen, and 4th Avenue Junior High in the Yuma Elementary School District for over 40 years, assumed the directorship for Yuma Adult Basic Education Program for over 35 years supervising night school: teaching English as a Second Language, G.E.D. course of study, naturalization and citizenship classes. Served honorably in the Army for two years, deployed to Vietnam in 1966. After retiring from education, he volunteered with the Arizona Disabled American Veterans(DAV) and was elected the Commander for the Arizona DAV from 2010-2012. Anyone who ever needed assistance either as a family member, public school student, adult education student or veteran, could always count on Manuel for help. He was best known for his altruism, making sure those in need received the best care in a timely manner.

In the early 1970''s he was selected as a recipient of the prestigious Ford Foundation Fellowship for outstanding academic achievement, an honor both he and his family acknowledge with great pride.

He was awarded the Arizona Recognition Adult Education Award in 2003 by the Arizona Department of Education for his outstanding contribution to adult learning. In 2014, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Arizona Disabled American Veterans for his exceptional leadership and tireless assistance to Arizona veterans.

Preceded in death by his father, Manuel O. Rodriguez and his step father Carlos M. Garcia. He leaves behind a wonderful wife, Blanca of 27 years, and seven children: Manuel N. Rodriguez, Sergio E. Rodriguez, Patrick N. Rodriguez, Diego S. Rodriguez, Daniel S. Rodriguez, Aaron L. Rodriguez, daughter, Ella Pilar Carroll; son-in law, John Carroll, granddaughter, Eleni Carroll; his devoted mother, Margaret M. Garcia; sisters, Evangeline Montoya (Gabby,deceased), Mary Helen Rasor (Terry), Margaret Garcia Dugan (Mike, deceased), Carol Schwimmer ( Steve), Christina Hammett (Sam),and Lorraine Draeger (Jim); sisters- in -law, Brigida Fajardo (Sabas), Cecilia Barraza and brother-in-law, Jesus Barraza (Mary); nephews: Robert Echave , Matt, Paul, and William Rasor, Joe Dugan, Ian and Nathan Schwimmer, Jacob Hammett, Carlos Lee, James Draeger, Jesus, Ivan, Leonardo, and Andre Barraza, Sebastian Fajardo; nieces: Valerie Echave, Angela Avila, Elisa Schoonover, Emilia Flynn, Crystal Hammett, Mary Draeger, Dulce Ruiz and Ruby Fajardo; and many great nephews and great nieces. Manuel will be deeply missed by everyone he touched.

Funeral will take place on Monday, November 17, 2014, at 11:00a.m. at Sunset Vista Mortuary in Yuma, Arizona. Any donations to the Arizona Disabled American Veterans.