Francisco Sergio "Santa" Rodriguez

BROWNSVILLE, TX. - Francisco Sergio Rodriguez, also affectionately known as Santa, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, the 31st of October 2024 in the comfort of his Brownsville residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years of age.

Francisco was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. He served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964, retired from JCPenney and HEB, and played Santa for over twenty years bringing cheer to many children at various schools, churches, and community events.

Preceding Francisco in death are his parents, Mauricio and Carmen Rodriguez, and his sister, Yolanda.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Irene Zavala Rodriguez; his children Sonia Benavides, Francisco Sergio Rodriguez, Jr. (Olga), and Martina Sanchez (Angel); his sister, Graciela Snow (Hank); and his grandchildren Carmen, Bianca, Raul, Eric, and Miharu. 

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, the 4th of November 2024 between the hours of twelve noon and nine o'clock at night, with the recitation of the holy rosary to begin at seven o'clock Monday evening within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home. 

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at two o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 5th of November 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Road, Brownsville. Interment with military honors will then follow, via an escorted procession, at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4464 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville.

Honored to serve as his pallbearers will be Tomas Bermudez Jr., Jose G. Gonzalez, Eusebio Zavala, Raul Hernandez, Eric Benavides, and Aldo Benavides. 

Honorary pallbearers are Carmen Hernandez, Bianca Benavides, and Miharu Sanchez.

Memories of Francisco may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.