Rodolfo Lopez Delgado

Rodolfo (Rudy) Delgado was born in Brawley, California on December 9, 1929 to Rodolfo Delgado (mechanic and shop owner) and Josefina Lopez (teacher). He was the oldest of three children. He had a younger brother Arsenio (Al) and youngest sister Josefina (Fina). The family grew up in Calexico, California.

Rudy was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from UCLA in 1951 with a degree in business administration. He then enlisted in the Navy in 1952 where he served as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade. He served during the Korean War on the USS Wedderburn and earned various medals during his service including the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal. He was released in 1956 and served in the reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1961. During his time in the reserves, he also secured a degree from The American Institute for Foreign Trade in 1960.

Rudy met the love of his life Julieta (Julie) Aguilera in 1964. They had mutual friends introduce them to each other at a party at the Aguilera’s house. While Julie was not immediately sure of the connection, Rudy persisted and eventually won her over. The two were married in Mexicali, Baja California in 1967. They have been married for over 57 years, and their marriage has served as a model for both of their children.

As newlyweds, they moved from Calexico to Newton, Kansas where Rudy took a job in farm equipment sales and international trade. This job offered Rudy the opportunity to travel all over the world, primarily concentrating in South America. After a few years, Rudy was offered a similar opportunity based out of Corpus Christi, Texas. Rudy, Julie, and their new son Esteban made the move in 1974 to the Sparkling City by the Sea. In Corpus Christi, their second son Efren was born. Both children moved away to attend The University of Texas at Austin where they graduated in 1995 and 1998 respectively. Rudy and Julie left Corpus Christi for Georgetown, Texas in 2007. They were excited to start a new life in Del Webb.

As residents of the Del Webb community, Rudy and Julie stayed quite active. They both enjoyed playing cards and other games with neighborhood friends and attending the local dances. Rudy, in addition to working side jobs and joining the Computer Club, primarily played golf and tennis over the years. Unfortunately, tennis came off the list after a knee replacement in 2018. Golf remained a weekly activity until this past November when Rudy took a spill and broke his femur. He was looking forward to getting back on the course at some point. We’re sure he’s playing the greenest greens now.

Rudy, or Abuelito as his immediate family called him, was loved by everyone around him. He had an infectious smile and love of life. He is described by many as funny, kind, and youthful. He loved spending time with his family and friends, playing card games, drinking Mexican Martinis, and eating desserts. He never knew a stranger and had no trouble holding a conversation with anybody. We knew he was on borrowed time after a heart attack in July. However, he rallied with vigor to everyone’s surprise, and we were sure he’d make it through the holidays. God had different plans, and we know he’s in a better place now.

Rudy is survived by the love of his life, Julie; his first son and a daughter-in-law, Esteban and Tiana Delgado of Dallas, Texas; his second son and daughter-in-law, Efren and Anzhela Delgado of Lake Forest, California; three grandchildren, Alexandra and Aidan of Dallas, Texas and Colt of Lake Forest, California; his sister Josefina Story of Sacramento, California; nephews and nieces Greg Delgado, David Delgado, Laura Behenna, Sandra Story, Linda Story, Glen Story; and grandnephews and grandnieces.

Hug your families and tell them you love them! The time always goes by way too fast.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to…

Ascension Seton Williamson Foundation

201 Seton Parkway

Round Rock, TX 78665

(512) 324-4067