Gregory Rodriguez leaves legacy of service, devotion to others

BRYAN, Texas – The bilingual echo during the funeral mass for the legendary radio DJ Gregory Rodriguez was a testament to his life’s work. As some parishioners in the packed pews at Santa Teresa’s Catholic Church recited the Lord’s Prayer in English, almost an equal amount could be heard simultaneously saying, “Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo. …”

The bilingual funeral service was fitting for a radio legend who helped in both languages. Known as “El Amigo del Pueblo,” on the radio for almost 60 years in the Brazos Valley, Rodriguez truly was the friend of his people, especially in Bryan, College Station and throughout the Brazos Valley.

Father Victor Mayorga gave Rodriguez’s funeral mass in English and Spanish. He noted that “Don Gregorio” was a fixture at Santa Teresa. Always dressed immaculately in a suit and tie, Rodriguez would open the church’s main doors each Sunday to help welcome parishioners for the 7:30 a.m. mass.

Gregory Moncivais Rodriguez, who died at 81 years old, was a leader at Santa Teresa and throughout Bryan-College Station. He gave a voice to the poor and voiceless. Rodriguez also helped raise more than $1 million in scholarships through his many memberships in civic organizations.

Radio trailblazer

With his beloved wife, he raised two sons, James and Jody Joseph, two accomplished attorneys. His commitment to education extended far beyond his sons, though. He helped his nieces and nephews and other members of the community, just as his commitment to his community extended far beyond Santa Teresa and his radio audience.

Rodriguez founded the first Spanish language radio show in the Brazos Valley on WTAW in June 1966, securing sponsors within a week after approaching the station’s director. 

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Through his radio show, he was always “giving a voice and a sense of dignity to the Hispanic immigrant community,” Father Mayorga said of Rodriguez. “Gregorio didn’t just help build the walls of Santa Teresa church. He helped build a community with his hands, his voice and his heart.

“The word of God says in the Gospel of St. Matthew, ‘Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.’ Don Gregorio was truly great because he chose to serve. He served God, he served people, he served the immigrants, the youth, the elderly and the entire community.”

Then Father Mayorga mentioned how Rodriguez started multiple civic groups to raise scholarships while focusing on lifting others.

Gregory Rodriguez: Amigo del Pueblo

Gregory Rodriguez founded the Bryan-College Station chapter of the Hispanic Forum. He was a past chairman of the Fiestas Patrias Scholarship Committee. Rodriguez also was a member of LULAC, the Bryan Jaycees and the Black and White Ball. He also served as Mayor Pro Tem of Bryan during part of his two terms on the Bryan City Council. 

Rodriguez was also a past member of the Brazos Valley Food Bank’s board. The Hispanic Forum once honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Brazos Valley African American Museum gave him the Amicus award.

El Amigo del Pueblo means “The Friend of the Community.” That’s what Rodriguez was. He was the friend of the people, all the people. Black. Brown. White. Asian.

Gregory Rodriguez was born on Oct. 18, 1943. He died on May 14, 2025. During his 81 years, he was one of the most important Latino voices in Texas. His impact and voice was heard beyond radio. He was more than a worthy candidate for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

‘Historian of music’

Jody Rodriguez said his father wasn’t just an expert on Mexican or Tejano music. Gregory knew and loved all types of music.

“He was a historian of music,” Jody said of his dad. “He started his radio career in country music, playing Bob Wills and Hank Williams and George Jones. Think about that for a minute. Wrap your mind around that, a Chicano playing western swing in the ‘60s.”

Considering his life’s work, it’s not difficult to see Don Gregorio Rodriguez playing and loving country music. After all, whether you knew him as Gregory Rodriguez or Gregorio Rodriguez, you soon came to appreciate that he loved all music and all people. 

Gregory Rodriguez inspired in English and Spanish. His legacy touched the entire community. El Amigo del Pueblo was truly the Friend of the Community. All of it.