Obituary of Raymond Ronald Rodriguez

Raymond Ronald Rodriguez passed away June 21, 2014 in Colorado Springs, Colorado after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born February 7, 1937 to Jesus and Inez De La Torre Rodriguez in Atchison, Kansas.He graduated from Maur Hill Catholic High School. After earning a degree at Northwest Missouri State University and Masters at the University of Wyoming he went on to do additional studies at Harvard and Colgate University.Ray was an educator, mentor and city leader. He taught at the high school and college levels. He spent the majority of his career working for the City of Colorado Springs as the Assistant to the Mayor in Employment and Training for 33 years. During his tenure he instituted multiple programs to assist the disadvantaged and underemployed. He was an advocate for education and developed the Community Prep School. His passion was helping people develop skills and reach their full potential. Ray served on countless boards and volunteered much of his time to many non-profit organizations. Ray was devoted to family and God. He was an active member of the Catholic Church and worked as an advocate for the poor. He loved the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Mountains. He always strived to make his community a better place.He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Inez Rodriguez; and siblings, Salvador, Ernest, Rita, and Sarah. Ray is survived by his siblings, Lolo, Richard, and Esther; and his wife, Loretta. He was united in marriage to Mary Crocker and in this union was born three daughters, Kellie Gomas, Kammie (Mike) Rodriguez, and Karrie (Paul) Sherman; and five grandchildren, Ryan, Garrett, Jake, Toria and Aidan.Visitation, 5:00-7:00PM, Sunday, June 29, 2014, The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue.Rosary, 6:00PM, Sunday, June 29, 2014, The Springs Funeral Services.Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00AM, Monday, June 30, 2014, St. Mary's Cathedral, 22 West Kiowa Street.A reception will follow at the Community Prep School, 332 East Willamette.Private inurnment will be made by the family. Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Visitation Sunday, June 29, 2014 5:00PM - 7:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Service Sunday, June 29, 2014 6:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Service Monday, June 30, 2014 10:00AM St. Mary's Cathedral 22 West Kiowa Street Colorado Springs, , CO 80903 Phone: 719-473-4633