Rodolfo Velazquez

Velazquez, Rodolfo Ricardo

Joyful Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Friend and Mentor

Rudy, age 62 of St. Paul died unexpectedly on March 16, 2012. Preceded in death by his parents Leopoldo and Victoria, his sister Roselia, his brother Roger, and Mother-in-Law Hortencia Suarez. He is survived by his wife Margarita; children Ricardo (Michael), Eddie (Cristin), Pavel (Arianna), Michaela; grandchildren, Nicholas, Santiago, Elsie and Maria Karla; brothers, Rene and Regino; sisters, Rafaela and Rosalba; and many nieces and nephews.

Rudy came to the United States thirty-two years ago. He was uncertain where this move to the US would lead him however had faith that a better life was ahead. Part of his integration into life in America included a new church. There, he met his wife Mage, fell in love, and married her within three weeks of their initial meeting. He took on a family and loved her two boys as his own. He showed that despite all skepticism and remarks that "they would never make it", they grew their family by having a daughter and celebrated more than thirty-one years of marriage. Rudy always showed his love for his family through little notes, a funny language that made his children and grandchildren smile, and created long life memories. Time with his grandchildren was important. He made it a point to spend time talking, going for walks and encouraging his grandsons to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. He also instilled into his grandsons the love for coffee from an early age. Of course, it was always more milk and sugar than coffee however it still sticks with them to this day. He loved coffee and he passed that love onto his grandchildren among many other things.

Rudy was a provider to his family. He worked hard each and every day of his life making sure that his children knew the value of strong work. Even after the many long days, he would smile, say he loved his work and was a role model of what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it. Rudy worked for a lens manufacturing company for 23 years. He began in an entry-level position and worked his way into management. Each day he arrived to work early, worked a full day and only left after the work was completed; he had pride in his work and demonstrated his commitment each day. His managers and peers became his friends and his team members became like family; they even called him "Papa". Rudy brought out the best in each and every person he came in contact with wanting them to be successful as individuals and a team. He often shared the joys of his work life with his wife and children always talking about "how blessed he was to work with the people he did". He was honored to work with amazing people and wanted them to see the great things they could accomplish together. He loved his work and the people made it rewarding.

Rudy loved life. He laughed each day. He smiled at those he encountered, danced whenever a good song played, and lived life fully by making a difference. He touched people through his warmth and welcoming demeanor. He was always willing to help in any way he could, sharing his life experiences, and seeing the best in any given situation. He is loved and he will be missed. The many lives he has touched will be his legacy for many generations.

As Rudy would say, "Ding!"