Rudy Guerrero

Rudy Guerrero, devoted husband and father and a true Las Vegas legend in his own right, died July 7, 2011. He was 80. He held the title of Matre'd at The Riviera Hotel and Casino showroom for nearly 40 years before retiring. He was born in Los Angeles, Sept. 9, 1930, to Jenny and Pablo Guerrero. He was one of four children. His father was a chef and head waiter at the famous Ambassador Hotel (where Bobby Kennedy was assassinated). This would later influence Rudy's career choice. As a young man, Rudy served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served in the First Calvary, F-Troop and received commendations for his services over-seas and combat. This was something he was very proud of. He was a true American Patriot. In 1949, he went to work at the Ambassador Hotel under the tutelage of his father where Rudy worked his way from bus boy to captain of the showroom. Soon after, he met and married a beautiful Greek lady from Detroit, Lyn. They had two sons, Nick and Ricky. In 1956, he moved his young family to Las Vegas where he eventually landed a position at the Riviera Hotel and Casino and worked his way up to the head matre'd of the main showroom. He worked during the Riviera's hay day with such notables as Don Rickles, Shecky Greene, Tony Orlando and Liza Minelli. Serving nearly 40 years until retiring in 1994. Being that the Guerrero family is no stranger to show business. Rudy landed a role in the movie "Casino" opposite Robert Dinero and Sharon Stone. His son, Nick became an accomplished musician forming his own band and his niece, Evelyn, became an actress and married actor, Pat Morita of the Karate Kid films. In recent years Rudy went back to work for business man and beloved friend, George Tallas, they became close friends and was at Rudy's side to the very end. The family wishes to thank him dearly for his love and support. Rudy was an avid golfer and loved all sports especially boxing. So, he was often referred to as "The Champ" or as his name implies, Guerrero... The "Warrior" Don Rickles nicknamed him "El Caballo" (the horse) named after a drink that Rudy created especially for him. To quote his niece, Evelyn, "He was our champ and the bravest man I ever knew. But, he was so much more then an uncle to me. He was a father figure and a mentor to me and my brother, Nemo and the patriarch of the family. To many, he was this classy "stand up" gentlemen with a heart of gold. His very presence would light up a room and he was adored by anyone that stood in his light. He was a prince of a man and the last of a dying breed. He will be greatly missed." He is survived by his son, Nick Guerrero; his grandson, Ricardo Guerrero; brother, Danny Guerrero (bro. Mateo); sister, Armeda Siqueiros; sister 'n' law, Rita Guerrero; nieces and nephews, Evelyn Guerrero-Morita, Nemo Strang, Heidi Bonito, Vivian Mc Haffey, Adrianne Siqueiros, Paul Guerrero Jr. and Chris Guerrero. He joins his late wife, Lyn; son, Rick; and his brother, Paul Guerrero who have departed. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, July 15, at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main Street, Las Vegas, NV.