Marcelo Gonzalez Rodriguez

Marcelo passed away quietly on August 14, 2017 after a sudden illness.

He was born on January 16, 1931 in Golconda Nevada to parents Benancio and Mariana Rodriguez who were both immigrants from Mexico.  Although he was proud to be of Mexican heritage, he always insisted he was an American.

Marcelo’s early childhood was spent in mining towns where there were not very many children so he and his sister Cecelia were very close companions. During summer months, the family worked together picking fruit to save money for a home.

Marcelo went to Colton Union High School in Colton CA               where he was active in Quill and Scroll, president of the Mexican Youth Club, class representative junior and senior years. He earned his letter in cross country and track. He had a role as the grandfather in the senior play “You Can’t Take It with You”

Marcelo was first of his family to go to college and he graduated from Woodbury College with Bachelor degree in Business Administration. While at Woodbury, he belonged to the Iota Nu fraternity and earned a Phi Gamma Kappa gold pin and guard. He was also treasurer of the Newman Club.

After graduating from Woodbury, Marcelo enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War where he was stationed in Japan and Texas as budget clerk and earned rank of Staff Sargent. While in Texas, he met his friend’s sister and fell in love. They were married on December 12, 1954.

After leaving the Air Force, Marcelo returned to California to join his wife Rita and began his career with the State Board of Equalization as a tax auditor. He and Rita had 3 children: Rosa Elia, Jessie, and Norma. A promotion in 1969 sent the family to Sacramento.

In 1978, Marcelo and Rita divorced and in 1981, Marcelo married his second wife Gena. After 35 years of service, Marcelo retired from the State Board of Equalization and he and Gena traveled for several years until returning to Sacramento. He and Gena enjoyed arts and crafts, bowling, cooking, working jigsaw puzzles, and watching old movies (especially westerns) He enjoyed a good glass of bourbon.

After his wife Gena passed away in 2012, Marcelo moved to a retirement community in Carmichael. He was a hardworking, responsible man who preferred a quiet life. A man of few words, he lived by example. His sense of humor was present to the end.

Marcelo is survived by his sister Cecelia Cabrera, children: Rosa Elia Perry, Jessie G Rodriguez, and Norma Diana Rodriguez, grandchildren: Leila Perry and Chelsea Lupercio Rodriguez.

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