Rodrigo "Rod" Gurrola

Rodrigo Rod Gurrola passed away in Whittier, California on February 14, 2019 at the age of 92. He was born on March 13, 1926 at Simons Brickyard Montebello, California and was a longtime resident of Whittier, California.

Rodrigo attended Rivera Grammar School and Whittier High School before he was drafted at the age of 18 to serve his country in the Army Air Corps in 1944 during World War II. After returning to civilian life Rodrigo married the love of his life, Dora Romo.

Dora and Rodrigo grew up together and he would often say he was going to marry her. He even proposed to her on their first date! After starting their life together on November 6, 1949 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church they later welcomed four girls, Rosalee, Rosanna, Rosemary and Rosalind.

Rodrigo was a true family man. Hard working and devoted. He enjoyed a career in grocery warehouse management spanning over 40 years. He would later retire in 1988 and enjoyed a life of gardening, cycling, singing in the church choir for over 25 years and spending time with family and friends.

He was a devout Catholic and one of the founding members of St. Gregory the Great in Whittier, California. Rodrigo would often help at the church as an usher but he most especially enjoyed being a Eucharistic Minister.

Rodrigo is preceded in death by his daughters, Rosalee and Rosanna. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dora; daughters, Rosemary, Rosalind; grandchild, Ryan Thompson; great grandchild Andrew Thompson.

Viewing will begin at 5pm Thursday, February 21, 2019 at White Emerson Mortuary, Whittier, California followed by a Rosary beginning at 7pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10am on Friday, February 22, 2019 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Whittier, California followed by interment at Little Lake Cemetery, Santa Fe Springs, California at 1:30pm.