Rudolph Araiza Tenes

Rudolph (Rudy) Araiza Tenes, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and respected elder of the East San Jose community, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at the age of 95.

Rudy was born on April 1, 1930, in Tijuana, Mexico. He grew up with his mother María Concepción Araiza, stepfather Jesus Tenes and 8 siblings surrounded by tradition, faith, and cultural pride. In his young adulthood he was a novillero bullfighter alongside his brother, José Luis Tenes following in the footsteps of his father Matador Jesus Tenes. He later immigrated to the United States and proudly became a naturalized citizen.

In 1955, Rudy married the love of his life, Lilia “Lily” Sánchez, at Saint Joseph Cathedral in downtown San Jose. Together they raised five children building a home filled with laughter, faith, and service to the community. Often asked what was the secret to their long marriage, they replied, “Patience, forgiveness and faith. You must have God in the middle of your marriage.“

Rudy lived a life dedicated to community service and cultural preservation. A proud member of PACT (People Acting in Community Together) since its inception, he attended numerous protests, rallies, and organizing meetings, always advocating for justice and dignity for the underserved.

Rudy co-founded Los Amigos and the Latin-American Lions Clubs in San Jose and was a detention ministry volunteer at Juvenile Hall. He visited countless classrooms over the years to recite poetry or during “show and tell” as a former bullfighter.

Rudy owned Esmeralda Jewelers retail stores in Santa Clara and Gilroy. He also worked as a part-time Spanish radio personality on Radio KOFY in San Francisco Bay Area sharing music and stories with listeners across the Bay Area.

In addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, Rudy was a writer, storyteller, and poet, and the author of the novel “Mano a Mano.”

Rudy and Lily Tenes were blessed to renew their vows for their 70th Anniversary, and he passed away peacefully the next day.

Rudy is survived by his wife Lilia “Lily” Sánchez Tenes; his children Rudolph Christopher Tenes, Diana Tenes, Celeste Oda, Angel Tenes, and Darlene Tenes; his nephew Carlos Lopez; his grandchildren Ernest James Barron, Monique Tenes, Megan Tenes, Lindsay Tenes, Isaiah Tenes, Marcus Tenes (deceased), Christian Oda, Kai Oda; and his great-grandchildren Eli Tenes, Audrianna Rossman, and Alana Marie Oda.