Rudy Lopez Rodriguez, 78, of Chula Vista, CA passed away December 27, 2025. He was born in Mesa, Arizona on October 3,1947. Rudy graduated from San Diego High School and briefly attended Southwestern College. He was legally married to Esperanza Donlucas Rodriguez on December 27, 1969 and through the Catholic Church on March 7, 1970 in which he shared 55 beautiful years of marriage.
Rudy was a man guided by faith, known for his strong work ethic, and quiet perseverance. He took great pride in providing for his family and approached every responsibility with dedication and integrity. Those who knew him admired his reliability, humor, and the calm presence he brought into any room.
Rudy had a career as a Route Sales Driver for Hostess Brands. He served in the United States Army as a Communications Sergeant and he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
Rudy was the heart of our home, always referred to as “Tata”, and cherished family so deeply. He loved to spend his days with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, frequently taking them all to the local Denny’s for breakfast. He enjoyed watching sports with family and supporting his grandchildren in all sports-related aspects from high-school baseball games to college softball games. Rudy loved to watch his Old Western shows on TV every day while ending the night with family dinner, dessert, and laughs.
He is survived by his loving wife Esperanza Donlucas Rodriguez, his three children, daughter Monica Ann R. Castro (Henry Castro), son Rudolph D. Rodriguez, and daughter Esperanza Marisa Rodriguez-Noury (Jean Pierre Noury), 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and sisters Gloria Gonzales, Margaret Leyvas, and Rebecca
Contreras.
Funeral arrangements will be held at 6pm with Rosary promptly starting at 7pm, January 9th, 2026 at Funeraria del Angel Chula Vista. Mass will be held on January 10th, 2026, 10am, at St. Rose of Lima followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.
