Anthony Rodriguez, 78

Anthony J. Rodriguez, 78, died Oct. 10, 2009, at his home in Frannie, Wyo. He was born Oct. 2, 1931, to Louis Rodriguez and Jenny Terraciano in Hazelton, Pa.

After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

In 1952, he married Helene Wansik and together they happily raised a family of two daughters and two sons in Levittown and Morrisville, Pa.

Tony was a brake specialist, an energetic and industrious worker, and together with his friend and partner, Warren Ferguson, he eventually launched his own auto parts wholesale store.

The venture flourished and enjoyed great success.

However, on a family vacation to Idaho in 1973, he was so impressed with the grandeur of the West, its mountains and streams, that he sold his share of the business and moved the family to Pocatello, Idaho. Sadly, Helene died suddenly in 1975.

Tony started a new career as an insurance salesman. In 1981, he married Josephine Lobdell, the beginning of a wonderful life together.

They purchased a home in the Flathead Valley and later moved to the Bighorn Basin, Wyo.

Tony loved to hunt and fish. In Montana, he was a hunter safety instructor and a founding member of the Bigfork Gun Club.

He especially looked forward to pheasant season when he spent long days on the field with his beloved hunting dogs.

Tony had many skills and gave generously of his talents.

He was an active member of his church and served on many councils. He was a fourth degree Knights of Columbus and a lifelong member of the NRA.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father and stepfather, and a generous friend. He endured his final illness with fortitude and grace. His joyful spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Jo; his daughters, Cynthia (Alex) Usog and Kim (Brian) Buckingham; son, David; stepsons, Laurence Lobdell and Alex (Gloria) Lobdell); stepdaughter, Fiona (Bill) Ostler; sister, Silvia Smith; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Anthony Rodriguez Jr., his stepson, Gregory Lobdell, and his sister, Ana Maria Holbrooks.

The funeral mass will be offered at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lovell, Wyo., at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Powell Valley Hospice in Powell, Wyo.