[Photo: Fresno State]
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – An icon in the Fresno Latino community with a distinguished legal career, Judge Armando Rodriguez passed away on Wednesday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 87.
Judge Rodriguez came from humble beginnings as the son of immigrants, one of 12 children. He grew up to be the first Latino elected to Fresno County’s Board of Supervisors, and the first Hispanic on the Fresno Municipal Court Bench.
President and CEO Ashley Swearengin, from the Central Valley Community Foundation says Rodriguez served on their board of directors from 2012 to 2014, and established a memorial scholarship fund in honor of his wife. The Betty Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship Fund provides college scholarships to local students. http://www.centralvalleycf.org/donors/our-funds/
“I cannot think of a person who is regarded with higher esteem in Fresno, who has been such a trailblazer and really an inspiration for our entire community.” – Ashley Swearengin, President & CEO, Central Valley Community Foundation.
[Photo: Fresno State]
In 2011, Judge Rodriguez was presented the Outstanding Alumnus Award by the Fresno State Alumni Association on behalf of the College of Social Sciences.
The couple founded Arte Americas, and both he, and his wife, were recipients of La Medalla Ohtli, the highest recognition that the Mexican government bestows on non-Mexican citizens.
“Throughout my time as Mayor of Fresno, I had the privilege to see firsthand the many ways in which Judge Rodriguez positively impacted our community.” – Ashley Swearengin, President & CEO, Central Valley Community Foundation.
Judge Rodriguez retired in 1996, but continued to serve covering court vacancies throughout the state. His political and judicial work winning awards and inspiring many in the Valley.
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