Sostenes Rodriguez Jr., passed away at age 80, on January 9, 2026, in Modesto, CA. He was born on August 31, 1945, in Del Rio, TX. Sostenes was the second oldest of 8 children to Olivia and Sostenes Rodriguez. The family settled in Campbell, CA. During Sostenes' early years, and one of his fondest memories, were the many summers picking prunes and apricots at the nearby ranches.  Sostenes attended Cherry Lane Elementary School, Campbell Junior High School, and then graduated from Campbell High School in 1964.  

Sostenes was on the Campbell High School baseball team and played for Coach John Oldham; Sostenes’ baseball skills earned him a baseball scholarship to Oklahoma Baptist University. He was also offered a contract to play professional baseball with the Saint Louis Cardinals. Unfortunately, Sostenes was drafted and unable to complete his studies or play professional baseball. However, he bravely served his Country in the Vietnam War.  

After he returned home, he attended Cal State Hayward and received a bachelor’s degree. In 1973, Sostenes married Marietta Mangini, where they settled in Modesto, CA and both became teachers. Sostenes taught at Calla High School, in Manteca, for 33 years. He was a talented art teacher who inspired troubled youths through art and coached the school’s baseball team. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Marietta, and their two sons: Paul and Ramon and five grandchildren: Owen, Marco, Eva, Anthony and Leah. Also, predeceased by sister Pura Azucena, and then survived by his 6 siblings: Lupe, Robert, Richard, Mary Jane, Olivia, Bernice and many nephews and nieces. 

There will be the following services:

• On Monday, January 19, a viewing  from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Salas Brothers Funeral Home at 419 Scenic Dr, Modesto, CA. 

• On Tuesday, January 20, there will be a Mass at 10:00 AM at Our Lady Fatima Church at 505 W Granger Ave, Modesto, CA. 

• On Wednesday January 21, the burial will be at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella.

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