Rodolfo "Rudy" Nanquil

Rodolfo “Rudy” Nanquil aka “Lolo” a beloved brother, uncle, husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at his home in National City, California surrounded by his loving family. Being a Veteran, a tribute was paid to him honoring his military service. As he departed his home, for the last time, he was embraced with a United States flag while Taps played in the background. A well-deserved poignant accolade.

Rudy was born in San Nicolas, Philippines and grew up in Lubao, the Province of Pampanga, which is widely recognized as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.” He was the third child of Tomas and Lourdes Nanquil and the last surviving child in a family with eight children, four boys and four girls.

Even though he had a good life in the Philippines, the thought of seeing the world became appealing to him. Thus, he decided to leave his home and join the U. S. Navy in 1946.

While stationed in San Diego, he met his future wife, Dolores “Dolly” Daos. They became acquainted at chaperoned wrestling matches and dances in 1948. They dated, fell in love and were married on October 23, 1949, at The Little Chapel of the Roses in Bonita, California. Rudy and Dolores were married for 71 years before she went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2020.

During their 71 years of marriage, they traveled with the Navy and lived in Norfolk, Virginia, Corpus Christi, Texas, Concord, California, Sasebo, Japan, San Diego, California and National City, California. Rudy retired from the U. S. Navy in 1969 after several Western Pacific tours aboard Naval aircraft carriers. He then went on to work for the U. S. Postal Service where he retired with a combined U. S. Federal Government service of 42 years.

Rudy and Dolores (although most everyone called her Dolly, he called her Dolores) became the parents of two children, Cindi and Rudy. They were very involved with their children’s extra-curricular activities. They would attend all of Cindi’s performances and every sports event, in which Rudy played. That support also extended to their three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Rudy went fishing often, mostly with his son at the Shelter Island pier or in Rudy’s bass boat. He thoroughly enjoyed playing poker with his friends and at the casinos. Bowling was another one of his hobbies. He was active in many leagues over the years and was the only person we knew who took two bowling balls in his special bowling bag to the bowling alley.

He loved watching sports on the television, which included boxing – all types of boxing, thoroughbred horse racing, especially the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes ~ known as the Triple Crown. He also watched The Breeders Cup. He and Dolores enjoyed going to the Del Mar races too.

He was a loyal Padres fan and watched all the games on tv. Another passion of his was watching old, western, cowboy shows and movies, especially the ones starring John Wayne. His other favorite movies were The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. He also enjoyed watching war-time movies and he was an avid reader of world history.

Rudy was content and happy as a “retiree.” He loved being with his family. And he and Dolores’ door was always open, not only to their friends, but to Cindi and Rudy’s friends too. They enjoyed entertaining them with their warm hospitality and his cooking. Christmas Eve at the Nanquil house was always full of family and friends who shared much laughter, joy, cheers and feasted on Lolo’s cooking

Rudy’s friends described him as an intelligent, kind, generous, caring, devoted, fun, respectful, honorable man with an extraordinary gentle soul who always greeted you with a smile. He was genuine and down-to-earth.

Rudy is survived by his daughter, Cindi, and her husband, Terry Bentz of Ramona and his son, Rudy Nanquil of Campo. His grandchildren, Christopher Bentz, and his wife, Melissa of Ramona, Tiana and her husband, Reymundo Perez of National City and Justin Nanquil of San Diego, each will miss him dearly. His six great grandchildren, Lia Bentz, Sensei Millan, Angel Perez, Nyomi Bentz, Michael Bentz and Irideza Perez will miss their “Lolo” immensely. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren, who too will greatly miss him.