Ralph R Rodriguez
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Ralph R Rodriguez. Ralph passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 2/8/2025, 10 days shy of his 96th birthday.
Ralph was born 2/18/1929 on Dos Pueblos Ranch in Goleta, California. The rural area of Dos Pueblos Ranch was Ralph and his siblings playground as children. In his teen years Ralph and his family relocated to Santa Barbara where he attended Santa Barbara High School. Ralph was a member of the SBHS graduating class of 1948.
Two years after graduation, Ralph answered his countries call and enlisted in the Air Force. Ralph was deployed to Korea where he served as a radioman in a Tactical Air Control Party. He achieved the rank of Staff Sargent and was honorably discharged in 1952.
After the service , Ralph returned to Santa Barbara and met the love of his life , Antonia ” Toni ” Leyva. The two were married in 1957 and raised two successful children, Annette and James . Ralph and Antonia were married until Antonia’s passing in 2014.
In 1959, Ralph was hired by Raytheon (Electronic Warfare Division)as a Test Engineer. After 33 successful years at Raytheon, Ralph retired in 1992. Upon retirement , Ralph was able to focus on his favorite pastime of Golf.
In his later years , Ralph was reborn when his only Grandchild , Austin was born. Ralph and Austin enjoyed numerous trips to the zoo and various museums. Ralph’s most cherished trips were those to Knotts Berry Farm with Austin by his side. Ralph will be dearly missed.
Ralph is preceded in death by his wife Antonia ” Toni” Rodriguez and is survived by his daughter Annette Wakefield ( Drew), his son James Rodriguez (Alicia) and his grandson Austin Rodriguez.
A Rosary will be held at Welch-Ryce-Haider on Thursday, February 20, at 7 PM
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Friday February 21, at 10 AM. Followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.
We would like to Thank Fresenius Kidney Center and Easy Lift Transportation for their kindness and respectful service.