08/30/2026
My dadās obituary. š Your presence as we celebrate his life would mean so much to our family:
Rev. Elpidio āPeteā Rodriguez, age 88, of Elgin, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love and care of his family.
Pete was born on March 4, 1938, into a migrant farming family in Carrizo Springs, Texas, and was one of 14 children born to the late Antonio and Simona (nƩe Martinez) Rodriguez.
A devoted man of faith, Pete loved the Lord and dedicated much of his life to sharing the Gospel. As an ordained Baptist minister, he was a gifted and inspiring preacher whose words touched many lives. He helped establish the first Spanish-speaking Baptist church in Bensenvilleāan accomplishment that remained a meaningful part of his lifelong ministry. Pete was later a longtime member of Bethania Baptist Church in Elgin and, more recently, First Baptist Church of Meadowdale. His steadfast faith guided him throughout his life and was reflected in the love, kindness, and encouragement he extended to others.
Pete made the Elgin-Carpentersville area his home for the past 64 years. Before retiring, he was a loyal and valued employee of Buffalo Grove School District 21 for more than 30 years. In earlier years, Pete enjoyed playing tennis and was an avid runner and a gifted chess player. He taught the game of Chess to his boys; they later participatedĀ in and won many chess tournaments
On December 9, 1956, Pete married the love of his life, Martha (nƩe Garcia). For nearly 70 years, they walked through life side by side, grounded in faith and devoted to one another and their family. Together, they worked hard and built a warm, loving home filled with cherished memories.
In addition to his beloved wife, Martha, Pete is survived by their three children: Saray Rodriguez Noverini (The Honorable John Noverini), Marco (Roxanne) Rodriguez, and Isaac (Brenda) Rodriguez. He was a loving and proud grandfather to Steven (Joanna) Rodriguez, Jacob (Tessa) Rodriguez, Chelsey Margiotta, and Isaac Rodriguez II, affectionately known as āIkeā; and a cherished great-grandfather to Caedmon, Esther, Manu, Remy, Oscar, Gabriel, Lexie, Josey, and Cole.
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