Gilbert P. Rodriguez

Gilbert Paredes Rodriguez of Terrell, Texas, died May 1, 2017, from cancer. Gilbert was born June 5, 1950 in Dallas to Lucius, Sr. and Mary Rodriguez, both of whom preceded him in death along with his brother, Jimmy Rodriguez. Gilbert grew up in the Dallas area, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1968, where he met his future wife, Victoria Wahlstrom, and made many life-long friends. After high school, he served in the United States Army, returning to work at Texas Instruments, where he worked at producing silicon chips for the new electronics of that time. Gilbert continued his education in the Dallas County Community College system, earning an Associate Degree before moving on to the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television-Film and Broadcasting 1978. In Austin, Gilbert began his career in Broadcasting at Channel 7, and during that time had his own public affairs show for a year. Eventually he returned to the Dallas area to work for WFAA where he joined one of the finest production teams in the nation. He continued working at WFAA until he retired in 2014, having dedicated over 30 years to the ideals of excellence in broadcasting shared amongst his co-workers. Over the years he received recognition for his work as part of the production teams, including a 2011 Lone Star Emmy as Director New 8 Daybreak Newscast. Gilbert was a man who could always be counted on to accomplish any goal he set for himself and others. After retiring from WFAA, he spent time acting in several roles as an “extra” in programs like NCIS and Queen of the South among others. In his spare time, Gilbert relaxed by gardening and taking care of his home’s landscaping. Always athletic, he ran a marathon at age 62 and a 5 k at age 64, in good time. He was a man who believed in getting things accomplished, always active, right up to and sometimes during, the illness that in too short a time, took his life. His smile and loyalty were cornerstones of his character that will be remembered with fondness by his family and many friends, those who loved him dearly. Among those who Gilbert leaves to cherish his memory are his wife, Victoria Wahlstrom Rodriguez of Terrell; sons: Daniel Rodriguez of Dallas and Chris Gleason of Atlanta, Ga; brothers: Lucius, Jr., David, Robert, and Ramon Rodriguez, all of Dallas; sisters: Cynthia Overton of Mesquite, Becky Chavez of Dallas and Rosemary Hall of Garland as well as several extended family members, dear friends and cherished colleagues who will miss him greatly. Mass of Christian Burial for Gilbert P. Rodriguez will be 10:30am, Friday May 5, 2017 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church 702 N Frances St. Terrell, Texas 75160.

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Gilbert P. Rodriguez

June 5, 1950 - May 1, 2017