Rodolfo Enrique Troncoso

In the song of life, Rodolfo Enrique Troncoso was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Rodolfo preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Rodolfo believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Rodolfo perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

Rodolfo was born on June 11, 1923 at home in El Paso, Texas. His parents were Isidoro Troncoso and Herlinda Murillo. Rodolfo was raised in El Paso, Texas. As a young child, Rodolfo was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Rodolfo rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, Rodolfo showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with three siblings. He had one brother, Edmundo Troncoso and two sisters, Olga Ward and Delia Hill. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, Rodolfo developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Rodolfo liked concrete things. In his spare time he liked read the newspaper and sports especially a boxing fan. However, to Rodolfo, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in his school years, Rodolfo showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Rodolfo with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Those who didn’t know Rodolfo well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Rodolfo was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Rodolfo’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. Later in life, he became friends with Henry Natividad, Kim and Lucho.

Rodolfo was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Rodolfo was blessed with seven children, five son, Steve, Richard, Henry, Rudy, Javier and two daughters, Rachel and Dianna. They were also blessed with 22 grandchildren, Steven, Elayne, Stevie, Stephanie, Raul, Raymond, Vidal, Clarisse, Alex, Andy, Ricky, Sarah, Gabriel, Justina, Rudy, Roxy, Eddie, Ashley, Zabrina, Natalie, April and Melanie.

Rodolfo found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was manufacturing. He was employed for 23 years by Hoffy's meat packaging. Rodolfo tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

Rodolfo enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were music romantic. Rodolfo was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Rodolfo liked sports. Rodolfo was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were boxing, football and baseball.

Rodolfo’s faith was important to him. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rodolfo's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

Rodolfo was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Rodolfo’s favorites was Jungle Boy, a cat. They were best friends for 10 years. His family was rounded out by his feeding all stray animals. He had a favorite trampy cat.

When Rodolfo’s retirement finally arrived in 1985 he said he would not work 1 more day than required. Done! He was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in never working a day again in life. He watched TV, played the Lotto and read the newspaper. Even in retirement, Rodolfo continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

Rodolfo passed away on January 28, 2011 at El Encanto Hospital in City of Industry, California. He is survived by his children, Steve, Rachel, Richard, Henry, Rudy, Dianna and Javier, his 22 grandchildren, his brother Edmundo and his sisters Olga and Delia. Services were held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in La Puente, California. Rodolfo was laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.

Rodolfo was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Rodolfo always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Rodolfo was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Rodolfo Enrique Troncoso.