Dr. Narciso Samuel “Sam” Rodriguez, 86, Marion, passed away at 3:13 am on Friday, November 3, 2023, in his home. He was born in Pomona, California, on Sunday, August 8, 1937, to Ysidro and Florence (Arechiga) Rodriguez and grew up on a ranch with his family in Hinkley, California. He married Dawn Hadland on October 8, 1971, and she survives.
While completing his bachelor’s degree at Long Beach State University, he was drafted into the U.S. Army on October 14, 1960, and served during the Berlin Crisis and Cuban Missile Crisis. He was honorably discharged on July 22, 1963, achieving the rank of Sergeant (SP5-5).
Sam continued his education after his military service and eventually earned his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at the University of San Francisco. He began his teaching career at Cortez Street School (Los Angeles Unified School District) before becoming Director at Colonial Juarez Bilingual/Bicultural Preschool (Fountain Valley School District). From there, he became Principal at Washington Elementary School, Peter Burnett Middle School, San Jose High School (San Jose Unified School District), and then Portrero Hill Middle School (San Francisco Unified School District). Sam continued his administrative career in education when he became Superintendent of Schools in South Korea (Network of International Christian Schools) and then closing out his career as Professor/Dean of Education at Simpson University (Redding, CA) and Shasta Bible College (Redding, CA).
In addition to his loving wife of 52 years, survivors include his children, Baron Samuel (Brenda) Rodriguez of MD, Erica Jane (Shawn) Yang of Marion, and Dustin Ryan (Hilary) Rodriguez of Omaha, NE; siblings, Rita Glover, Benito Ysidro Rodriguez, and Lorna Mills; and grandchildren, Samantha Rodriguez, Marissa (Austin) Maleski, Elijah Rodriguez, Elise Yang, and Isabelle Yang.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A graveside service will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E. 38th St., Marion, IN. Pastor Troy Bishop will be officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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