Rudy "Rodolfo" Garcia

Rudy (Rodolfo) Garcia, 85, passed away on Saturday February 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. Rudy was born September 21, 1939, in Albuquerque NM to Richard and Agueda Garcia. 

He was raised in the North Valley off of Guadalupe trail and had a wonderful childhood creating fun memories with cousins and his sister Catherine. He was a proud alumnus of Valley High school and was in the first Freshman to Senior graduating class. He enjoyed his high school years and played on the varsity basketball team and played in state championship games. He received his bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas Seminary in Colorado. 

He married his beautiful wife of 63 years, Berta Gabriela. They were blessed with four children, three daughters, Dianna, Cynthia, Annette and a son Ricky. Three grandchildren Chaundelle, Cameron, Arielle, and seven great grandchildren, Angelina, Nadia, Lanaya, Noah, Nico, Nia, Nova.

Rudy worked over 30 years as an educator and administrator, he was proud to be one of very few educators that taught kindergarten through college level. He taught a range of subjects, accounting, Spanish, business, math and was a coach for both boys and girls sports. As an administrator he worked on a team to develop the bridge program for TVI and UNM students. He retired as an administrator with TVI and UNM. He was especially proud of the work he did to secure educational grants and loans for hundreds of underprivileged/minority students. He was a member and served as president of the Optimist Club where he was involved in numerous activities to help children in the community. 

He enjoyed spending time with friends and family especially if it involved barbequing or frequenting his favorite restaurants. His greatest love was spending time with his wife and family. His time on earth was filled with everything he loved, his family, friends, great food, gardening, sports, music, and service in the community. 

A rosary will be held on February 28, 2025, at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1860 Griegos Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, followed by mass at 11:00 am. A reception will be held immediately following mass at the Our Lady of Guadalupe parish hall. 

Rudy will live on in our cherished memories, the lessons he taught to so many, the wonderful deeds of kindness he bestowed on others, and in the hearts of those he loved and those who loved him.