Victor Reyes Rodea, Sr. Obituary (1926 - 2019)

Victor Reyes Rodea peacefully passed away at home in Warrenton, VA on February 11, 2019 with his son Laurence, daughter-in-law Amy and their children by his side. At the age of 92, Papa is finally free of the pain and agony suffered as a result of cancer. Born in Jilotepec, Mexico nearly a century ago; his life was filled with adventure, love and loss beginning with the death of his father Lorenzo at the age of two. Working from the age of ten at a factory in Mexico City in order to help his Mother Catalina (RIP) and siblings Ricardo (RIP), Laura (RIP) and Rosa whom he's survived by as the last sibling. Victor was a kind and selfless person who took pride in what he accomplished, especially after he migrated to the United States with his wife Andrea (RIP) and children, Victor Jr., Louie (RIP), Teresa and Eric in the 50's. Papa's legacy and proudest achievement was in providing a better life for his children, grandchildren and their families. He cherished family above all else and did his best to provide for them until the very end. The last of his children, Laurence was born to Martha and Victor in 1975. After retiring in 1992, Victor spent his remaining years traveling and spending time with each of his children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren until he settled with his youngest son Laurence and his family in Warrenton, VA. Victor came to be known by many names, Papa was the name he was affectionately referred to by his family in Virginia. Dad, Pop, Grandpa were also equally affectionate nicknames used by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren primarily on the West Coast. No matter what name was used, he would always respond with a smile and willingness to help in any way he could. What he enjoyed, by far, was any opportunity to share his experience and life lessons accumulated over 92 years. To all he noted, "[my] life has been rewarding and blessed with so little regrets that they're not worth mentioning. Though I expect to leave this world with the same as what I was born with (in terms of wealth and physical possessions), I consider myself to be the richest man in the world because of the wealth of love given to me by my family, my kids, grandkids and great grandkids. I would rather leave this world a poor man with an unlimited amount of love and affection filling my heart & soul, than a wealthy man with an empty heart, a void that can never be filled by material possessions leaving a soul withered, weightless and cursed to be eternally lonely...you know like that old guy from Christmas Carol, stoog...that's his name right?" Left to cherish his memory are his children; Victor Jr. & Donna (wife) (children Andrea with grandchildren Aaron, Archer, Abby and Avery) of Kingman Arizona; Maria Teresa (children Vanessa, Alfonso, Bianca (RIP), and Gabriella, grandchildren Ariah and Pierce) of Stockton California; Eric & Aurelia (wife) (children Jasmine, Shanniel, Abgail, Isack, Erika, Chance, Randii, Itzel and grandchildren Sitivi, Monaloni, Kaoni, Pearl and Christopher) of San Bernardino California; and partner Martha of Tucson Arizona with son Laurence & Amy (wife) (children Isaac, Isabella, Chloe, and Deklen) of Warrenton, VA. Special mention for Lizette, Sonia, Donnie & Becky, Tiffany and extended family living in Mexico. Predeceased by his wife Andrea, son Louis, brother Ricardo, sister Laura and mother and father Catalina and Lorenzo Rodea. A memorial service will be held at sea where his cremains shall be returned to the earth (per his wishes) and memorial service at a date yet to be determined. Very special thanks for the nurses and support staff from Fauquier Home Health and Capital Caring with extra special gratitude for Gina, Chris, Meg, and Kiki for whom we will be eternally grateful for the love and tenderness showed to Papa in his final moments.