Rudolph M. Lopez

Rudolph M. Lopez of Sierra Madre went to God on January 8, 2012. He is survived by his loving wife, Isabel Lopez, his 10 children, Suzanne, Rudolph Michael, Anita, Rosemarie, Thomas, Steven, Julianna, Richard, Mark and John, 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Rudolph Lopez was born in El Paso, Texas on February 1, 1925 to Enriqueta Muller and Lucio Lopez. He was the youngest of four brothers, John, Armand and Robert. He grew up in Fabens, Texas. He played on Notre Dame's National Champion Team (football) in 1943. Served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1942-1944. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1946. He married Suzanne Eileen Bockelmann of Chicago, Illinois in 1949. They lived in Monterrey, Mexico while he coached football at the University there. They moved to Chino, California where he worked for the prisons, while there he earned a Masters from Claremont College. He then entered the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and worked at various schools: He served as Principal for Eliot Jr. High, counselor/teacher/coach at McKinley Jr. High and Washington. He also taught night classes for adults for many years. He was a member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, Pasadena Mexican- American Scholarship Committee, and Chamber of Commerce. In 1961 he moved to Sierra Madre. After retiring from PUSD, he started a new career in the travel industry, owning and operating R&S Travel in Pasadena and Sierra Madre. In 1987, his first wife, Suzanne passed away. In 1991, he married Isabel Lucena Chia of Madrid, Spain. They have resided in Malaga, Spain and Sierra Madre, California. These past two years his health had been failing and he spent most of his time at home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his honor to the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Visitation today Thursday January 12, 2012 from 1-5 at Douglass and Zook Chapel 600 E. Foothill Blvd Monrovia, CA. Mass is scheduled for tomorrow Friday 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church 318 N. Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre, CA. A reception to Celebrate Mr. Lopez's life will be held at 140 S. Hermosa Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. 2pm-5pm