Edward Rodriguez
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Edward's obituary
Obituary for Edward “Fast Eddie” Rodriguez
April 20, 1946 – July 11, 2025
Edward Rodriguez, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, at the age of 79 in Rocklin, California. He was surrounded by the love of his life and his family—the people he lived for, worked for, and gave everything to without ever asking for anything in return.
Born on April 20, 1946, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Ed lived a life defined by service, humility, and quiet strength. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Dolores Rodriguez, and their children: Ed Rodriguez, Edie Thompson, and Mark Rodriguez. He was the proud grandfather of seven: Alex, Sierra, Mia, Jenna, Nico, Sylvie, and Lauren. He is also survived by his brother Arturo Ruloma, along with his children’s spouses Beth, David, and Gina, and by countless others who considered him family through baseball, friendship, and community.
To most, he was “Coach R.”
To his grandkids, he was “Pupa.”
To his wife, he was a lifelong sidekick.
To his children, he was everything.
He didn’t speak much about love—he showed it. Through action. Through consistency. Through hard work. Whether he was coaching on the field, working long hours, or showing up at every game, recital, or moment that mattered, he was there. Always.
Ed came from humble beginnings. He worked as a migrant fieldworker as a teenager and spent time working as a cook before building a successful career with both the Ford Motor Company and Xerox. He became the gold standard for husband, father, grandfather, friend, and more. Always providing for his family with quiet pride and relentless dedication, he showed what it meant to lead by example. Despite his early circumstances, he understood the importance of learning and later pursued his Associate’s Degree in electrical engineering. Spanish was the first language for both Ed and his wife Dolores, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and perseverance. He was the blueprint for how to love selflessly, lead faithfully, and live honorably. A man of discipline, grit, and consistency, he possessed an unmatched work ethic that never faded. Even when he had little, he gave generously—of his time, his labor, his presence, and his wisdom.
Sports were a central part of Ed’s life and one of his greatest ways of giving back. He found a way to be a coach for more than 40 years, shaping countless young lives through the game he loved. He started coaching at Campbell Little League, then went on to coach Pony baseball with his oldest son, continued with Colts alongside his youngest, and later coached at El Dorado Hills Little League with his daughter. No matter the level or team, coaching was never just about the sport for Ed—it was his way of teaching life lessons, building character, and a way for him to bond with his family.
A lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, Ed bled black and orange. His family found comfort knowing that as he took his last breath, the Giants were beating the Dodgers. Poetic and perfect. He has the best seat now.
He was also known as “Fast Eddie,” not just for his speed but for his drive. He never stopped moving. Never stopped giving. His life was a masterclass in what it means to lead by example.
More than anything, Ed loved his wife, Dolores—the girl he met in elementary school and never let go of. Their 62-year marriage was built on simplicity, devotion, and shared strength. In one of his final acts, with only gestures left, he pointed to her and motioned: eat, rest. Even in his last moments, he put her first.
We are heartbroken, but we are also grateful. What a life he lived. And what a gift it was to know him, to be shaped by him, and to be loved by him.
The family invites all those whose lives were touched by Ed—whether he coached you, worked alongside you, gave you advice, or simply showed up when no one else did—to honor him by sharing a story, watching a Giants game, making your bed, or showing up for someone. Just as he would have.
A Mass will be held in Ed’s honor on Saturday, August 9th, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM at SS Peter and Paul Church, 4450 Granite Drive, Rocklin, CA 95677. Later that evening, a Celebration of Life will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Randy Peters Catering – Rose Room, 105 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA 95678. All who knew and loved Ed are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations or acts of service in your local community, especially in youth sports, to carry on his legacy.
“Humm Baby”
We love you forever.
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