John Edward Rodriguez's Obituary
John Edward Rodriguez
December 8, 1943 – August 26, 2025
Recipient of the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action
John Edward Rodriguez, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by his loving wife, Letty Anne, daughter Reina, son John, and daughter-in-law Tina.
Born on December 8, 1943, in Chandler, Arizona, John enlisted in the United States Army shortly after graduating from high school in 1961. He served his country as a Special Forces Green Beret, with distinction for 20 years. During the Vietnam War, he demonstrated extraordinary courage during a daring assault mission to rescue American POWs at Son Tay Prison in Northern Vietnam. For his heroism in that mission, John was awarded the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action—one of the nation’s highest military honors. Though he never sought recognition, his bravery and integrity were known to all who served alongside him and those who knew him.
After retiring from the military, John continued a life of service as a postal carrier in Nogales, Arizona, where he was cherished by the community he faithfully served for many years. He also became a cornerstone of the local veteran community, founding the Nogales Veteran’s Day Parade, a cherished tradition that continues to bring pride to the town. He served as Post Commander of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, ensuring that the service and sacrifice of veterans would never be forgotten.
John's greatest devotion was to his family. He shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with Letty Anne, the love of his life. Their story began with a moment of fate—when Letty Anne x-rayed him after a motorcycle accident in Miami, Florida, and their connection was instant and lasting.
John is survived and deeply missed by his beloved wife, Letty Anne; daughter Reina; son John and his wife Tina; grandchildren Cheman and wife Marisa, John, David, Isabella, and Marina; and great-grandchild Bodhi John.
John's life was marked by courage, humility, and quiet leadership. Whether in uniform, walking his mail route, organizing a parade, or laughing with his grandchildren, he led by example—always with kindness, always with purpose.
His legacy lives on in his family, his community, and in the many lives he touched.
As his Navy SEAL grandson said in his final farewell:
"Your watch is over. Rest easy Tata. We have it from here."
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