Rodrigo Magdamit Brizuela's Obituary
Rodrigo Magdamit Brizuela, was a loving husband, father, brother “Kuya”, Uncle, friend, and Grandfather. He passed away peacefully on February 18, 2023 in San Diego, California. He is survived by his wife Moonlight, his sons Paul and Michael, more than just a daughter in-law but a daughter in heart Rowena, and Granddaughter Jasmine MoonAnne, his siblings Norma, Jaime/Rosario, David/Victoria, Julito/Thelma, Sr. Maria (Marilou), in-laws Elmerita, Estrellita, Venus, Emma, Rose, Myrtle, Jose/Teresita, their families, extended families, and relatives.
Rodrigo was born on July 1, 1938 in Tabaco Albay. Philippines. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alejandro and Fe and brother Jose.
Rodrigo (aka Rod, Rody, Rudy) began his career in the United States Navy in 1962. He served for 22 years with distinction. He received Medals and Ribbons for “Navy Meritorious Unit”, “Good Conduct” (4), “Navy Expeditionary”, “National Defense”, “Humanitarian Service”, “Navy Sea Service Deployment”, “Republic of Vietnam Campaign”. He proudly supported the evacuation of Vietnam allies during Operation “Frequent Winds.” He was a Drug Abuse Counselor, conducting group sessions and one-on-one settings to military personnel undergoing drug abuse treatments. He was selected and commended as “Sailor of the Quarter” in 1981. As a “Chief Petty Officer”, he was the Leading Chief of the Food Service Division. He was awarded a grade of Excellent during the Supply Management inspection in 1982. Under Fleet Reserve status, Rodrigo worked in the Regional Financial Services Department and then to the Fleet Accounting and Disbursing Center, as an “Accounting Technician”.
Rodrigo then worked for the California State Prisons, Food Services Department as a “Supervising Correctional Cook” for fourteen years and retired in 2003.
Rodrigo earned a Bachelors Degree in “Business Administration” with emphasis in Marketing.
Rodrigo was a dedicated and devoted parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church for 53 years. He was an Extraordinary Minister for many years. He volunteered with the Church and School activities, bazaars and the Saint Vincent de Paul, a volunteer plumber and ground maintenance. He chaperoned school outings when Paul and Michael were in grade school and the youth group. He was also a supporter of the Samahan Philippine Dance Company, provided transportation and assisted in the preparation and production of props for the performances. He was a member of Nayong Pilipino, Bicol Club and other Filipino organizations established and created in the preservation of Filipino culture. He was also a Neighbor Watch Block Captain, providing information on criminal activities, safety tips and ideas of awareness to the neighborhood in building a safer community.
Rodrigo loved to travel with Moonlight. They’ve gone on tours and pilgrimages to Fatima, Lourdes, Paris, Spain, Jerusalem and Israel following the footsteps of Jesus. They’ve visited Greece and Turkey following the footsteps of St. Paul. They’ve also traced his parent’s footsteps in their migratory movements from Bicol to Manila and Northern Luzon, and visited families and relatives in several towns in the Philippines.
Rodrigo loved and cherished his only granddaughter Jasmine MoonAnne. He made sure that he never missed any of her dance, choir, and band performances. He watched as many as he can of Jasmine’s sporting events in Volleyball, Basketball and Soccer. He enjoyed being a Grandpa.
Rodrigo had a passion for camping, gardening and karaoke. He was known as a “Handyman” and “The Cook”. He figures out what your favorite food is and makes it for you in the most delicious way. He was sought by those who needed guidance and wisdom. He was a kind and generous man, whose generosity extended to Fresenius Dialysis Center, which became a second family to him over the past 6 years. It also extended to the family pets, dogs, Belle and Leo. They would run through the door and straight to Grandpa’s chair where he would be there to greet them with way too many treats. Even through the last years of his journey on earth with us, he always kept his mind strong and his heart open.
Rodrigo was known among the family and friends of all generations, as “Lolo”, “Grandpa”, “Kuya”, “Tito”, “Uncle” and “Brother”. He enjoyed being with family and enjoys family reunions and get- togethers.
Rodrigo will be deeply missed, loved and forever remembered by his family, friends and all those whose lives he has touched.
What’s your fondest memory of Rodrigo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rodrigo?
Share a story where Rodrigo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rodrigo you’ll never forget.
How did Rodrigo make you smile?
