Rudy Fraijo Herrera

Rudy was born in 1936 in Irwindale, California to Katherine Fraijo Herrera. Rudy’s dad Henry passed away while Kate was pregnant with Rudy, but Rudy and the other Herrera/ Chico children were raised by Grandpa Richard, whom they loved and respected. Growing up, Rudy enjoyed spending time with his brothers, cousins and friends in the Irwindale area- whether it was swimming in the pits or playing basketball or softball for the Sabres. The Sabres of Irwindale plaque is a coveted keepsake that Rudy kept above his workbench… next to his Rams flag.

He proudly served in the army from 1960-1962 and met Flora through the Miranda Family soon after. Rudy and Flora were married on August 20th, 1964. They went on to build their family and enjoy life’s blessings… raising David and Michael with frequent trips to Arizona, fishing and skiing in Mammoth, and got together with siblings and cousins in Irwindale and Bellflower, always keeping family first. He coached baseball for both boys and supported them in everything they did. Michael remembers that growing up Rudy never missed any of their games, or the celebrations at Rockies Pizza afterwards. He loved and enjoyed all of David and Michael’s cousins and friends, always welcoming them into the house, on vacations or to sit down for crispy bacon or a beer. “Might as well” and “If you can’t dance” were a few of his responses he stuck to through the years, always up for a good time with a content smile on his face.

He continued to be active in his role as a Papa, going above and beyond to attend the kids’ games, awards or sacraments at church. He loved taking Flora to Christian’s football games and we are so thankful he was able to be a part of Nicole and Christian’s wedding and meet his first great-grandson Cash. Rudy loved that Adam always gave his all- whether he was playing baseball, biking, wrestling, or showing his love to his Nana. Rudy was always a faithful and proud spectator… but ready to raz the kids if he got a chance. He was blessed with his first granddaughter Kate and watched her grow from a ballerina to a trailer haulin’, horse racin’ woman… he would be so proud that you are graduating college soon Kate! Rudy was Sammy’s biggest fan and was part of the grandparents crew, always cheering on (or heckling) the Upland softball girls. They enjoyed watching The Rifleman together and she knew just how to make him feel loved. JJ is Rudy’s youngest grandson, but Rudy’s support never wavered… he was there for water polo games and school awards, he had JJ’s friends over to swim and play basketball, and taught JJ how to make the best paper boat to float down the gutter when it rained.

Rudy and Flora are survived by their oldest son David, his wife Mikey, their children Christian (wife Nicole and great-grandson Cash), Adam and Kate; and youngest son Michael, his wife Kelly, and their children Samantha and Justin. Rudy was a man of remarkable work ethic, building a life for his family with dedication and love, leaving behind a cherished legacy as a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Celebration of Life will be held on September 30th, 2025 at 9am at Oakdale Mortuary & Memorial Park - Sunset Chapel 1401 S Grand Ave. Glendora, CA 91740

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to join us in walking a 5k for Alzheimer's on 10/18/25, or donating to the Alzheimer's Association through our team- Let's Kick Some ALZ. Information is at this link... http://act.alz.org/goto/herrera