Supervisor Max Rodriguez (86) - Madera County is mourning the loss of former Supervisor Max Rodriguez, a dedicated public servant, community leader, and lifelong resident of Madera, who passed away at the age of 86 on Friday. Born on Nov. 3, 1939, to Josephine and Maximo Rodriguez, Max Rodriguez was raised on Madera’s east side, where he built a life rooted in service, hard work, and deep community ties.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years, Sarah Rodriguez, whom he married on Sept. 29, 1962; his sisters Connie Muñoz, Josephine Herrera, Victoria Contreras, Mary Helen Soto, Hope Rosales, and Vera Olono; and his brother Phillip Rodriguez. He is survived by his children, Barbara Dolan (John), Karen Scrivner (Gary), and Mark Rodriguez, as well as his grandchildren, Davis Pogue and Juliana Pogue. Max is also survived by his oldest daughter, Diana Olivarria, from a previous relationship.
First elected in to the Supervisors in 2004, Rodriguez proudly represented Madera County’s District 4. He was re-elected by the community he served for four consecutive terms, dedicating 16 years to advancing the county’s priorities and improving residents' quality of life.
A 1958 graduate of Madera High School and a veteran of the California Army National Guard, Rodriguez’s early life reflected the values he carried throughout his career. He worked as a farmworker, later as a re-saw operator at American Forest Products in North Fork, and eventually as a Farmers Insurance agent.
While working at the sawmill, he became actively involved in labor leadership, serving as financial secretary and president of Lumber and Sawmill Workers Local 2762. His commitment to public service continued when he was appointed to the Madera District Fair Board by Jerry Brown in 1979. He also served on the Madera County Mosquito Abatement Board and as a Madera County Planning Commissioner.
During his tenure as Supervisor, Rodriguez championed safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and economic opportunity. He was instrumental in organizing Fresno River clean-up efforts and advocating for increased law enforcement resources and operational efficiencies. He played a key role in advancing agreements that enhanced public safety services, including efforts to expand law enforcement coverage in the Parkwood area.
Rodriguez was a strong supporter of education, backing bond measures that led to the construction of multiple new schools within the Madera Unified School District. He also contributed to site selection committees and supported the development of parks and youth programs, including hosting free youth soccer clinics. Among his most notable contributions was his leadership, alongside community partners, in championing the construction of the John Wells Youth Center at Centennial Park.
Widely recognized as a leading advocate for infrastructure and economic development, Rodriguez earned the nickname “Godfather of High-Speed Rail” for his unwavering support of the project. He was a driving force behind regional efforts to position Madera County as a key hub, including advocating for the high-speed rail heavy maintenance facility. Through the Wye Madera County Task Force, he brought together business leaders, residents, and policymakers under the guiding principle of “cheaper, faster, smarter.”
Throughout his career, Rodriguez served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Madera County Transportation Commission, First 5 Madera County, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), Community Action Partnership of Madera County, the San Joaquin River Conservancy, the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, and the Interagency Children & Youth Services Council, among others.
He was also active in civic and community organizations such as the Pan-American Club, American Heart Association, the Madera Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, New Hope Madera, and NAACP Branch 1084.
Rodriguez’s legacy is defined not only by his public accomplishments but by the lives he touched as a mentor, colleague, advocate, and friend. His leadership helped shape Madera County into a stronger, more connected community.“Supervisor Rodriguez’s impact on this county is immeasurable. I had the honor of serving as his Chief of Staff, and later succeeding him on the Board of Supervisors, where I saw his deep commitment to the people of Madera County,” said Supervisor Leticia Gonzalez. “He led with heart and humility, and his legacy will continue to guide our community for generations to come.”