Rudolph Manuel Bernal Sr

Rudolph Manuel Bernal was born to Maria Luisa Duran and Manuel Bernal on January 14th, 1927, in Los Angeles California. He was the only boy in a family with 5 beautiful kids including Eva, Emilia, Josie, and Ethyl, and grew up in South Los Angeles where, although one of the younger kids, always looked after his siblings. After graduating from high school, Rudy enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he proudly served for nearly two decades. While in the military he displayed talent as a marksman and medaled first in a sharpshooting contest.

Rudolph lived a remarkable life filled with hard work, acts of service, and the type of big love only he could demonstrate. While most knew him as “Rudy”, he was a man of many names. Pop to his four children, Virginia, Rudy, Fred, and Veronica. Tata to his many loving grandkids and great grandkids, but most importantly, “Viejo” to the love of his life, Dora. Together they created a life and home filled with unconditional love for their entire family. Those who visited “Nana’s House” immediately became family and he was always fond of how large his familia was. When his beloved Dora passed away, he longed to be with her and they are now in heaven watching novelas, sharing pan dulce, coffee, and a plate of beans.

Tata was part of the greatest generation and exhibited the tough ideals of the time but always led with love. He would always wish you happiness and accepted each of his family members as they were. And if you were really lucky, you got to hear one of his famous songs. “A ring ding ding a ring ring!”. His memory, along with the lessons imparted along the way, will live with each of us forever.