Obituary of Rodolfo Hernandez

Rodolfo Hernandez was born in San Benito, Texas on May 24, 1954. Rudy entered peacefully into eternal rest in the presence of his loving family at Valley Baptist Medical Center on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at the age of 65 years.

Rudy is preceded in Heaven by his father, Ruben Hernandez; his mother, Ausencia (Esquivel) Hernandez; grandmother, Graciana (Monreal) Esquivel; and an uncle, Domingo Esquivel.

He is survived by his son, Rodolfo Jr.; 2 granddaughters, Eleni and Victoria; 2 sisters, Rebecca and Rosalinda (Rick); 2 brothers, Ramiro Reza (Mary) and Noe; 8 nephews; and 3 nieces.

Services at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home on Sam Houston will be open for family and friends for visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2019.

Rudy’s wish is to be cremated, his ashes will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.

Rudy lived an exciting life surrounded by all types of individuals. When asked to describe his childhood, he reflected fondly upon the times when he played marbles with Sergio and Tito Valdez; playing basketball at Frank Roberts Elementary with Gojito, Rey Cantu, Spooks, Bear, and how they would challenge other guys from La Paloma and surrounding areas. He enjoyed gar fishing with his friends by the Resaca, known now as Heavin Resaca Trail or out by Santa Monica with Jerry Lucio and others. Reminiscing plenty of times he went fishing and on one particular day being out with Arnold Galvan in his 66 Ford along with Mario Galvan and Eddie Monstro by the back roads tracking those rabbits.

Rudy liked his friends and continued to make new ones, though he had many, even I don’t remember their names or any at all. For my part, I believe the truth of every detail in the stories concerning this period of his life. The wildest and craziest adventures all did in the passage of their youth.

My brother, an animal lover, had his share of loyal companions - his dogs, Bravo, Clara, Fido, and Shortie. Shortie lived the longest and the closest to Rudy’s heart. After losing him unfortunately at the same time our dear mother’s health got complicated and a pet was impossible to have as a family member, that didn’t stop my brother from hugging the neighbor’s pet or bringing leftovers to Elvin (Alex’s dog). The most amazing quality of our dear brother was his kind, gentle, and humble heart.

Rudy spent a lot of his times with close friends at San Jose Ranch. There he went fishing at the Arroyo, or duck season hunting with companions. He traveled to Alaska as well as other states. Jammed their instruments and enjoyed cruising that chopper (motorcycle).

As the years passed, Rudy worked as a surveyor with Guzman Surveying Co., he had fun with Armando and Sergio Escobedo. He took pride in his work and accomplishments and later decided to pursue a career with SBCISD. Being a graduate of San Benito High, his mind was made up and with the assistance of his dear friend, Alicia, who tutored him through the process of getting his BA degree in Criminal Justice. He graduated from Texas Southmost College in 2002. During his 33 years before retiring, Rudy was an incredibly nice and generous person with the patience of Job to be able to teach every child/student at the school district the importance of education, of having fun. Most of all, celebrating every wonderful moment with staff, teachers, and co-workers. The apex of a career with the school system.

Rudy earned the respect of everyone who encountered him throughout the school district and beyond. He was a dedicated and loyal employee who’s been there and done that, taking into consideration his skills and professionalism in time of crisis, whether it be a simple fire drill or in a disaster, such as flooding and hurricanes. Rudy was a true greyhound fan and season ticket holder ready to cheer his hometown team. He was a great supporter for those in need whether it be a student who forgot his or her lunch money or the stranger in a wheelchair around the corner seeking donations, to supporting benefits in helping those in need of assistance, either for medical or funeral expenses.

Everyone who knew Rudy understood his passion for music. He was an incredibly gifted, self-taught musician, just like his two other brothers. He would gather with Chofo, Sergio, Chico, Juanito, and play oldies from artist such as Bob Dylan, The Dobbie Brothers, Santana, and many more from their era into the present. Rock and Roll to Spanish, and Jazz or Soul, music was always a part of his life. To me, the most memorable and inspiring moments was my brother playing and singing my mother’s favorite songs. Every chance he had there he was, picking up the guitar preparing those notes, couldn’t wait to sing next to our dear mother. Music runs in our brother’s blood just as dancing and the love in being blessed with three musical boys, our mother had a bigger connection, a special bond with Rudy, through his music. Rudy dedicated himself to a lifelong commitment, to be the best a son could be through the love of God, in caring for our dear mother. After our mother’s passing 2 ½ years ago (2017), our brother’s world took a turn. He truly had come to believe “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” An inner peace that had taken a lifetime to acquire was with him over the past few months. My brother’s personal life was affected by our mother’s departure and before Rudy knew it, his health also took a wrong path for the worst.

He was a passionate young man who had a contagious smile and outgoing personality. Rudy touched and impacted many lives. He leaves an incredible legacy and because we with great loving liked him back. We will miss him and honor him in our memory. Patience now brother and know your family will return your ashes to a resting place near where you were born. Where we, your brothers and sisters, ran and played and fought with each other as many kids did in “El Jardin.” For those who would like to see it, our brother’s marker is between San Benito, Texas and Rio Hondo in an area called Mont Meta Cemetery,

Rest in peace brother.

You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Rodolfo Hernandez at: www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston Blvd., San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.