In Loving Memory
Dr. Philip C. Rodriguez
Dr. Philip Cristin Rodriguez was born in Los Angeles, California on November 17, 1946. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, educator, mentor, musician, author, and loyal friend, and in all, he was known as a gentle and generous man. Philip always lived his life to the fullest.
The Rodriguez family lived in different cities in southern California, including Compton and Watts, and eventually settled in Hawaiian Gardens, what Philip’s cousins considered the “country.”
Philip was the eldest child of Nasario and Adelina (Della) Rodriguez, the hardest working parents’ children could ever desire. Nasario and Della, both recently deceased, provided a strong family foundation and taught their children to strive to always be their best selves and maintain a strong work ethic.
Philip had four siblings. His sister Dora, (husband Manuel Macias, daughters Natalie Macias and Linda Ruiz), sister Della Rodriguez, brother Nasario Rodriguez, Jr. (Jay), and brother Peter Rodriguez, (formerly married to Lisa Romo, children Damian, Abram, and Dulcinea).
Philip married the love of his life, Dr. Stephanie Gonzales Rodriguez, in 1972. They were married for 48 years. They have two sons and three grandsons. Their son, Javier Rodriguez (formerly married to Juana Martinez Rodriguez) have one son, Alan,16 years old. Their son, Leonard Rodriguez, with his beloved wife, Ester Rodriguez have two sons, Steven, 11 years old and Henry, 9 years old.
Throughout Philip’s adult life, he worked full time, supported his community, and was active in the Boy Scouts of America while his sons were scouts. He thoroughly enjoyed the elements of family life, spending time with his two sons in any activities they pursued, including sports, Boy Scouts, hiking, and biking. Philip loved the simple routine of helping them get to school on time each day. For his sons, breakfast every morning with their dad at Rosewoods Restaurant was always fun.
Dr. Rodriguez received his Doctorate degree in Education from the University of Southern California in 1992. He started his educational career when he joined Cerritos College in 1972. The College was his second home where he developed long-lasting friendships. His quiet, yet persistent influence on his staff to pursue higher education was never far from his mentorship and the lives he touched. Dr. Rodriguez and his Financial Aid and EOPS staff supported and served thousands of students over the years. During his 33-year tenure at Cerritos College, Philip served as a Dean of Student Services, a Professor of English, and, in earlier years, Director of Chicano Studies.
Both Drs. Philip and Stephanie were active in promoting higher education for everyone they encountered. To them, higher education was a way to change lives. They learned the value of education from their parents, and education served them well professionally and helped them make a difference in people’s lives. They both served as Deans in the California Community Colleges and shared the responsibility and goals of administration. Whether it was raising their sons and grandsons, serving their community, politics, music, or education, Philip and Stephanie had so much in common.
Philip’s leisure time was spent reading, writing, playing music, entertaining, and tutoring his grandsons. He learned to play the cello after his sons grew up. His weekly church “gig” was playing in the Saint John of God Church choir for many years. As an example of his tenaciousness, he asked to join the church choir as a cellist even before he learned how to play the instrument. Philip was also an avid student of Kung Fu, in which he attained the belt rank of Black, which was to be awarded by his instructor Master Juan Meza in February this year.
Philip was also an author. He wrote two novels, Travieso and the The Awakening which shared his memories of growing up in Hawaiian Gardens, including family gatherings, dirt clod fights, dairy farms, and building bikes to ride down bumpy dirt roads. His childhood experience was more than a young boy could ask for during his youth.
The memories he shared included those of his family driving up north each summer to pick grapes until he was in high school. Although working summers in the fields were often difficult for the family, in his novel Philip documented a generation of family grape pickers who worked hard but also shared warm summer evenings eating, sharing family stories, and playing music with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Philip had recently completed his third novel in December 2020, Curiosity.
In recent years, Philip and Stephanie traveled to Europe and Greece and enjoyed Alaskan and Danube river cruises before it became too dangerous to travel. Throughout the year, frequent family vacations to Hawaii provided a great time to connect with their adult sons and grandchildren. It was not all work and no play for the Drs. Rodriguez. They enjoyed their life together and cherished many wonderful loving memories of their lives.
This quiet, patient, intelligent, loving man, Philip, will be missed but never forgotten. His legacy will live on through all his deeds and the people he touched.
Rest in peace, Philip, Dr. Rodriguez, husband, dad, grandpa, brother, mentor, and friend. God bless you and all you accomplished in your life of 74 years.
Online Celebration of Life
Friday, May 7
12:00 PM Pacific
Information on how to join Philip’s Celebration of Life is below.
Phil was a connoisseur of fine wine and could often be seen wearing his favorite Panama hats. Please bring your favorite glass of wine to the ceremony to toast Phil’s life, and feel free to wear a Panama hat in Phil’s memory!
Before the day of the ceremony
1. Please register to attend the ceremony by clicking the button below.
2. If you do not already have Zoom, please download the application below.
On the day of the ceremony
Please refer to your registration email for instructions on joining the ceremony. Feel free to email support@lightenarrangements.com if you need help.
Guestbook
Please join us in celebrating Philip’s life by sharing your stories and memories of him.
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Donations
Donations in Philip’s memory may be made to the Dr. Philip C. Rodriguez Scholarship Fund at Cerritos College Foundation.
Both my husband and I were students of Dr. Rodriguez. We remember him as a kind and understanding teacher. He didn’t have to say he cared. We knew and felt that he cared by the way he treated all students.
In later years, we grew to know him a Phil. We had the opportunity to catch a few of Phil’s cello performances during mass. We would sometimes get a chance to say hello after church services. And, just like when we were his students, we could feel his kindness and gentleness.
Phil has been welcomed by a greater choir now. His cello playing will continue!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the family. Philip will be dearly missed.
Stephanie and Family
So much to say, but at this time too hard to convey all I want to say. Among the treasured thoughts is his devotion to his parents and our grandmother Yaya. In 1984 our family began holding family reunions in honor of our beloved grandmother who passed away in 1980 at the age of 94. Our reunions are large events, 150, 250 and sometimes 350 family members and Phil was among the first to donate toward the costs and arrive early to help set up. I cherish those early meetings with cousin Phil, our alone time, a time to share our past and hopes for tomorrow. Hopes for tomorrow for his wife, kids and grandkids, that was Phil. God bless you cousin, hug my tia Della and Yaya for me.
I was blessed to meet Phil in 1997 when he traveled across the country, from California to Maryland, to attend an On Course Workshop that I was facilitating. I got to know Phil when, on the second evening of the event, the two of us decided to drive to a nearby lake. We walked around the entire lake for what must have been a couple of hours but seemed like only a few minutes. We lost track of time talking about our respective commitments to and hopes for improving higher education, and in each other found kindred spirits. That evening I learned of Phil’s dedication to empowering students, a mission dear to both my heart and professional efforts. His commitment to this worthy cause never wavered.
Little did I know at the time what a commitment Phil would make to bring the educational strategies of On Course to his colleagues on the west coast. I’ll let Phil’s own words demonstrate that commitment: “Since first attending one of the summer retreats in 1997, I’ve held nine full On Course staff development trainings for our college, and I plan to offer more.” I used to call Phil not only the godfather of On Course…but also my valued friend and partner in improving higher education.
Phil, you inspired me to keep going when the road ahead seemed only a swamp. May choirs of angels sing you home.
I have many memories of Phil when I worked with him at Cerritos. They are all wonderful. But today I only want to address his wonderful family, Javier, Lenny and Stephanie. Javier and Lenny, I send both of you and your families my sympathy at the sudden loss of your father. Be consoled in knowing that he loved you profoundly, that you made him so proud, and that you gave meaning to his life. He adored his grandchildren and was absolutely besides himself when they were born. You honored him then, and you honor him now, by being the fine young men that you have become. Stephi, my dear friend, what a trying time in your life. When Phil was here you both dealt with challenging issues in life, and learned from each other how to deal with them. So you have the memories of his input to dealing with pain. And he leaves you Dora, the powerhouse of love and caring. You have his family and your family and friends who are here for you. Reach out, we are here and love you.
Phil was not only a boss he was my second family. I will treasure all his wisdom, caring heart and support for giving me the opportunity to be part of the Financial Aid family. You will forever be missed but your wisdom will always be in our hearts.
Thank you Silvia for always being there for Philip. Continue to pay it forward, right? 🙂
Thank you my dear friend… you have played an important role in our lives! How blessed we are to know you.
Abrazos…
Skip, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. Philip admired you and the work you committed to in helping students be successful in their education and lives.
Abrazos…
My dad was a special special man. Not only to me and our family but to everyone who knew him. He had a big heart much like my Grandma Della. They were alike in so many ways and he loved her dearly. Family meant a lot to the old man and he meant a lot to us. Life will forever be different without you here but rest assured you created an environment along with mom to help us and your grandkids thrive.
We have tons of great memories and lessons to cherish. I can think back and recall countless times you made sacrifices for me and I know many were made behind the scenes. From the Cerritos mall arcade to hiking to hanging out, listening to you snore in a movie theater haha to just talking to you at your home office was a great. Thank you everything you did viejo.
Forever your Tiger – Lenny Pooh
Oh, my sweet son! You made your dad proud and becoming the man you are now. He adored you, Ester, and those little guys. Your dad has left a legacy never ever to be forgotten.
Love, Mu
I remember Phil as being friendly and one to give great advice to the younger ones. He always seemed happy and full of life when we saw him at family gatherings. My condolences to all his family.
Nanette Castillo and Family
Daughter of Richard and Florence Amaro
Nanette, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Philip loved his family. He is now with his ancestors watching over us. 🙂
I will always remember my cousin Phil as a gentle, caring and generous person. I remember being in his wedding as the Flower Girl…I was a very shy little girl and walking down that aisle was a bit scary, but I could see my cousin Phil happy as he saw his beautiful bride Stephanie walk down the aisle after me…I could feel the love even as a little girl.
Cousin Phil would come and visit our Grandma Yaya at our house in Carson and he would always make sure to ask my sisters and I how we were doing in school.
One day cousin Phil and Stephanie took my sisters and I to see a movie and after the movie we experienced our first ever “fast food drive-thru”…I think it was Jack n the Box, we though it was funny and amazing that someone in the box was talking to us! He also took us to the snow, and that of course was our first experience in the snow as well. It was such a memorable, fun trip with cousin Phil and his family. I will forever be grateful to my cousin Phil for always being so nice and concerned with our well being.
It was always nice to catch up and talk to cousin Phil at our family reunions and at family events. He will be greatly missed but our hearts are filled with nothing but wonderful memories. May he rest in eternal peace with all of our beloved family in Heaven.
Dear Sonia, Philip just loved you girls and always wanted the best for you. He truly enjoyed taking you girls to different places and have different experiences. He was a generous and loving man; Philip will always be in our memories and hearts.
Dr. Rodriguez was a great English professor and yet the most caring person that looked out for his students. I am forever grateful for his kindness, support and understanding with life struggles.
Mario, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. In honor of Dr. Rodriguez, pay it forward to support and encourage those in need. Again, thank you.
“Remembering Dr. Philip Crespin Rodríguez”
Nothing hurts more than to lose someone dear to one’s heart. Phil was a friend of mine, for over 62 years and a friend to my husband Ken Gaines for over 42 years. Not only for us, but also for those whose lives he touched, he was much cherished and admired for his open, generous, and oh so kind spirit.
Phil grew up in a difficult time for our nation with a history of social oppression and discrimination in the predominantly Caucasian U.S. American society of that time. Prejudice and racism were the norm and many injustices existed imposed by society at large.
As a child, Phil joined his immediate family each summer when they would drive up north with extended family and friends to work the fields and pick the grapes. Surely the laborious work at such a young age and watching his family struggle with life’s challenges effected Phil deeply. He had observed and experienced the many inequities and injustices; eventually, he understood the value of an education which could open the door to a future of opportunities and possibilities.
The 1960’s brought forth a time of civil unrest and emerging courageous leaders like Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy and for Phil, most importantly, César Chavez and Dolores Huerta who modeled strength for men and women in the fields to fight for equality, equity and social justice. Chavez symbolized the possibility of promise and opportunity. This had an effect on Phil to understood the urgency to help himself and his community in a meaningful way.
Growing up in Hawaiian Gardens, Phil attended his local secondary school, Artesia High School in 1960.
He loved music and played saxophone in the high school marching band. The band room, the first day of school is where Phil first met a classmate, who became a lifetime friend, Artesian, Criss Lopez (Muñiz Mascorro de Gaines) in their 9th grade year, the only two Mexican-Americans in the over 100-student band. Phil had occasionally reminisced and said it was a friendship he very much valued, because he would say, “Knowing you, Criss, solidified my pursuit of achieving success, pursuing higher education to seek a professional career.” At that young age we both shared the understanding and profound importance of education in order to give back to our community.
After high school graduation, it was in Norwalk, Ca. where, as Cerritos College students, he met the love of his life, Stephanie González. They married and established their home and family there in the city they loved; both always focused on serving their beloved Norwalk. After receiving his A.A. degree from Cerritos College, he continued his study in English at CSU Fullerton and CSU Dominguez Hills, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degree, respectively. Eventually Phil was awarded his doctor’s degree in Higher Education (EdD) from USC.
Phil began his professional career at Cerritos College as an adjunct instructor for Chicano Studies (C/S). And soon became the first full-time instructor for the department. At that time, there was an important federal program, Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOP&S) legislatively mandated in 1969 as a result of the civil rights movement. This social reform legislation encouraged the California Community Colleges to develop programs and services designed to meet the educational needs of all students “handicapped by language, social and economic disadvantages, these programs and services to be over, above, and in addition to those regularly offered at the college, and which to encourage student growth, development, and successful participation in collegiate life.” The program was based on the values already important to Phil and which became part of his personal and professional mission.
Cerritos College EOP&S program was established and Phil became the very first director. The program had a very modest budget and very few students. Phil took the helm and was the architect growing the program and creating one of the finest EOP&S programs in the state. His program served as an early model of best practices, which he shared with other state-wide directors, who he helped mentor. Through this ‘little’ program, Phil helped transform the college from an almost entirely all-white student population, predominantly from the cities of Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey and La Mirada. But by the late-1970s, through Phil’s dedicated work and creative innovative ideas, he significantly contributed to a metamorphosis of this Norwalk, California educational institution. Cerritos College truly became a college representative of ALL the local cities it was mean to serve within the college district. The college finally included student representation from the communities of Artesia, Hawaiian Gardens and so important to Phil, the residents of Norwalk. The disenfranchised in the community, young and old eventually believed they too were stakeholders in Cerritos College and could be students at the college; as well as one day striving to be faculty and administrators at this post-secondary institution they had once only seen from afar.
Phil changed the lives not only of students, but also of colleagues to better understand how to serve under-represented students and the necessary innovative teaching pedagogies. He highlighted the student’s intrinsic value as talented, hardworking, creative, human citizens, who had a right to attend their local community college. Phil helped faculty to create a teaching/learning environment where the students could thrive, instead of to drop-out. Many of those students, first generation college students, transferred and became professionals as teachers, doctors, engineers, lawyers, thanks to all of Phil’s endeavors. Without Phil’s foresight and leadership his visionary footprint would not have happened by the 1970s at Cerritos College.
Besides being an EOP&S Director and Dean of Student Affairs, Phil was also an adjunct instructor for the English Department until his retirement. He was always trying new ideas and was not afraid to bring them to his students. One example was a valuable life-lesson Phil taught the first time he played his cello for his students, an instrument he had just begun to study. He brought the cello to class and performed a musical piece he had started working on. It was squeaky-sounding and obviously difficult for him to play. He was not very good, which he would be first to tell you. But he knew his students had never seen nor heard a cello before and therefore, everyone listened attentively. These same students would hear him perform many more times; each time slowly improving and finally creating lovely melodious tones. Ultimately, all the students understood Phil’s true message. By taking risks, he modeled and taught his students to be unembarrassed, fearless and with consistent dedication and they too, could improve and create beautiful music one day. For it was not how he sounded that first performance, but rather with time, staunch effort, and perseverance, just like Phil on the cello, they too could commit to their dream and accomplish it!
Along with music, another of Phil’s passions was writing. He wrote and self-published several books which gave him great pride. Stories of his growing up. Lessons he learned as a boy in Hawaiian Gardens, playing and riding his bike in the dirt fields with neighborhood friends and of course, attending the local schools. His first autobiographical novel was called “Travieso” which translates to “Mischievous,” a trouble maker… but it also in Portuguese means bridge; and for us, his friends, family, colleagues and students, Phil was a bridge for so many to reach the other side. Phil has now reached the other side; he has left our world leaving it better than he found it. But before his final goodbye to us, he wrote fables to teach his final lessons. He also unknowingly presented us with his last autobiographical memoir, “The Awakening.”
However, another true love he discovered at Cerritos College, was the ability in helping people, he developed it and gave this gift back to his community. He made a tremendous difference in the lives of many and we are grateful for all of his efforts to help others rise to realize and fulfill their potential.
Phil was a privately religious man with prayerful faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, who led a purposeful and courageous life. He laughed, had fun and could get thoroughly engaged in all his muses. We fondly remember his adoration of the Gypsy King’s music, going to the movies, eating popcorn, enjoying a coke, reading a good book, having a hearty meal, playing poker, and hanging out with friends. He took great pride in celebrating his loved ones: his children’s graduations, and weddings, besides Stephanie his wife, she too earning her EdD degree, his students graduating and moving forward in their lives and regularly surprising friends with beautiful yellow birthday roses for friendship. Mostly, we think Phil would like to be remembered as a loving and devoted father and grand-father; giving his final years to nurturing, embracing and loving his family.
Baruch Spinoza the Dutch Jewish philosopher stated, “All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare”. Phil created excellence at Cerritos College during the challenging birth of the civil rights era. His instructional and student-service programs were not just of high quality, but exceptional and the best of the best, a legacy to be long remembered, treasured and cherished.
So now, “Feo”, it’s time to jump onto “Frankenstein,” your favorite pieced-together bike, and “to ride off to a familiar neighborhood grassy field” to be the “victorious dirt clog warrior” you have always been!
Thank you, dear friend!
Ken & Criss Gaines
Dearest Criss and Ken,
I have no words to express my emotions as I read your post and tribute to Felipe. Your tribute to him encompassed his life, family, career and the social history he/we lived through as a community. Felipe had a strong sense of social justice for all; his commitment to make a difference never faltered. We often talked about the struggle and community work that many people did in the 60’s and 70’s would take almost a generation to be able to see change…
Thank you for your love, generosity and commitment to all. Abrazos…
A Toast For Phil
Yesterday, we cried
To see our dear Phil gone.
Today, we smile through tears to know
He will never be forgotten.
Tomorrow, we take up his lesson
And walk. Phil’s lesson–
Believing in people will transform the world.
Phil, you believed in all of us.
We promise to give that to others.
There are always new songs to learn,
And the concert is never over.
Hail and Farewell!
—Frank Gaik, May 7, 2021
Frank, thank you for your thoughtful words and the good work both you and Linda continue to do… mucho carino!
” Phil Rodriguez, or Dr. Phillip Rodriguez was and will remain part of the small circle known as the Chicano Renaissance Club. Admission as a member to this exclusive club is only granted to a few learned Men who at their core are Spiritual Souls meaning that when you meet them you become aware of that special bond that they have with all
of our ancestors.
Very few people in life can embrace a call to live an authentic life but this is not true of
Phil Rodriguez as he lived everyday of his life authentically in service to his family, friends, and community. People like Phil are never really gone because if you pause long enough you can feel his spirit all around you and recall his face and his small grin smiling down on you.
Dearest Alicia,
Thank you for your lovely and thoughtful words. True, Philip was not to bring alot of attention on himself, he just did the work…