Filiberto "Fil" Rodriguez, Sr.

Filiberto "Fil" Rodriguez, Sr., (SGM Ret.), 79, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2015 at the House at Midland Care surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 20, 1936 in Ponce, Puerto Rico the son of Pedro Mandry and Julia Rodriguez. Filiberto served in the US Army. During his years of service he achieved several military citations that included two Purple Heart Medals, the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star for service and two other Bronze Stars for valor, Vietnam Service Medal, Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, along with numerous other medals of commendation to include the National Guard. Filiberto retired after 30 years spending the last five years of his career as Inspector General SGM of the 1st Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood. After retirement from the military he worked as a Pawn Broker. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where he was a supporter of the Fiesta Mexicana. Filiberto was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Blackhorse Legion ACR, and the 1st Cavalry Division. Filiberto enjoyed collecting cars and coins, along with baseball and sports cards. Filiberto married Rachel Guerrero on August 14, 1964 at Our Lady of Guadalupe. He is survived by his wife and their children, Teresa (Fernando) Borrego, of Topeka, Rose (Harold) Wenzlick and Raul E. Guerrero all of Hutchinson, Julia (Ed) Juarez of Topeka, Rochelle (Isaiah) Knighten of Killeen, TX, and a son Filiberto (Tammy) Rodriguez, Jr., of Copperas Cove, TX. Four siblings, Iris Mandry, Ada Mandry, Pedro Mandry, Jr., Luis Oviles along with 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter also survive. Filiberto will lie in state after 4:00 P.M. Thursday, November 5, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where the family will receive friends until 8:00 P.M. A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 6, 2015 at the church. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided by the Ft. Riley Military Honor Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.