Bernardino "Bernie" R. Rodriguez

Bernardino R. Bernie" Rodriguez passed away on February 5, 2012 at the age of 53 after battling cancer. Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Vigil is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 7:00 PM at San Jose Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2012, 1:30 PM, at San Jose Catholic Church with Father Valentine Jankowski, OFM, Conv. officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Bernie was born on February 7, 1958 to Jose Moises and Guadalupe Rodriguez. Being raised in Carlsbad, He graduated from Carlsbad High School and honorably served as a Communications Specialist in the U.S. Navy from 1975 - 1979 and in the U. S. Coast Guard from February 1983 to August 1983. Bernie was a graduate of the University of Texas in El Paso (UTEP) earning a degree in Civil Engineering, he continued to serve his country with the U. S. Department of Interior, having worked on numerous projects on the construction of Brantley Dam and the National Parks Service as an engineer with the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. More recently, Bernie was integral in developing facility sustainability plans for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant as a Facilities Engineering Manager for the Dept. of Energy. Bernie was instrumental in overseeing the completion of the south access road to the WIPP site earning him the Green Zia Award. His colleagues remember him for this warm smile, easy going attitude and ability to remain calm during the chaotic times. Bernie loved to play the saxophone and having jam sessions with fellow musicians, and coaching youth soccer. He cherished the time with family and friends. Bernie was preceded in death by his father, Jose Moises Rodriguez. The family would like to express their heartfelt and humble gratitude to everyone who has given them support thru this difficult time. Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved Sylvia; mother, Guadalupe Rodriguez of Carlsbad, NM; two sons: Theodore Rodriguez of Carlsbad, NM, Benjamin Rodriguez of Albuquerque, NM; two daughters: Amanda Ann Rodriguez of Rapid City, SD, Nicole Rodriguez of Carlsbad, NM; grandchildren: Bianca, Kimberly, Joziah, Andres, Abel, III., and Matthew; two sisters: Margarita Mendoza, Olga MaGee and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to an account at Wells Fargo which has been set up in his memory: Wells Fargo # 6888374334. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.