Antonio “Tony” Salinas Rodriquez passed away on July 14, 2015 surrounded by his family at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland.  He was 71.

Tony is survived by his wife Pat of 34 years; children Tony Rodriquez (Jenny), Darin Jernigan (Carol), Diana Hormel (Rick), Darla Yount (Larry), and Tim Praino (Jennifer ); siblings Ray (Lupe), Richard (Shonna), Chico (Fedalina), Joe (Sandra), Janie (Jack) and Esther (Jerry); and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Jennifer Praino, son Daniel Jernigan, and nephews Steven Rodriquez, Chico Rodriquez, John Kranz, and Daniel Palamino. 

Tony was born July 1, 1944 in Brownsville, Texas to Martina and Ramon Rodriquez.  At a young age his family moved to Sunnyside, Washington where he grew up. After graduating high school, he served in the Army and was stationed in Germany for 2 years.  Upon returning, he made his career in the grocery/retail business. 

A gifted athlete, Tony excelled at baseball and competitive boxing in his younger years.  His love of sport found an outlet in bowling.  For over forty years, Tony has been part of a bowling league which also includes his brother Ray and his son, little Tony.  Like baseball and boxing, Tony was a consistent athlete: great at getting a lot of strikes, as well as picking up spares.

Known as the “fix it man” of the family, Tony looked for opportunities to help others and everyone knew that if they mentioned something needed fixing, Tony would soon be over to take care of it. 

Tony was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and most importantly, father and grandfather.  Patient, kind, and selfless, he raised his children without raising his voice.  He also fostered a strong familial bond between his children and their extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins with many weekend and holiday visits.  For many of the RV vacation trips he took with his children, Tony also included his parents. Tony coached his son, little Tony, in Little League baseball and attended every game his son played throughout his school years.  This same devotion continued with his grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews as he was a constant presence at their events, including dance recitals!   Whether it be candy in his pockets or packing another other treat, Tony never came to visit empty handed and when he left, it was a sweetness in your heart that lingered. 

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 19 at 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Richland.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Tony’s name to the Tri-City Chaplaincy Hospice House in memory of Jennifer Rodriquez Praino.