Rodolfo Vela Lopez, Sr.

Rodolfo Vela Lopez, lovingly known as “Rudy,” died in Oregon, Ohio, on May 11, 2026 at the age of 92. Born on August 22, 1933, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Arturo and Aurora (American citizen), Rudy was an American and a proud Texan raised in San Benito, Tx. However, he carried deep pride in his Mexican roots throughout his life. Alberto Longoria, his stepfather, was a strong influence and remained an important father figure throughout his life. The lessons and values passed down through his family, including faith, resilience, hard work, and devotion to loved ones, remained with him throughout his life and helped shape the man he became.

Rudy was a United States Army veteran; he served honorably during the Korean War era from June 1956 until April 1958 and was discharged with an Honorable Release from Active Duty. In April 2023, he was honored and excited to participate in an Honor Flight, visiting the memorials in Washington, D.C. alongside fellow veterans. Upon returning home, he finally received the hero’s welcome and recognition that had eluded him after his military service in 1958—a deeply meaningful moment for both him and his family.

At a dance that he initially had no intention of attending, Rudy met Olga Losoya and they were later married in Toledo, Ohio, in August 1959. They had four children: Olga Linda, Ruby Ann, Rose Marie, and Rodolfo “Jay” Lopez Jr.

Following his military service, Rudy built a long and respected career with the Ford Motor Company, where he worked for thirty years, from 1966 until his retirement in 1996. Like many men of his generation, he was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and pride in helping build the American automobile industry. Throughout his life, he remained a devoted and proud supporter of Ford.

A devoted Catholic, Rudy loved attending Spanish Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and, on special occasions, services at Most Holy Rosary Cathedral. He also cherished visiting the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio, especially for the blessing of vehicles.

Rudy found joy in simple routines and lifelong passions. He was an avid golfer who especially loved watching the annual LPGA tournaments held in Toledo, and whether watching golf or playing it himself, he simply loved the game. He was also a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan who rarely missed the opportunity to cheer on his team. Music was always present in his life as well, especially Rat Pack classics, Elvis Presley, and Tejano music.

He also thoroughly enjoyed playing the Ohio Lottery and kept meticulous records of his numbers and winnings over the years. Whenever luck was on his side and he hit it big, he believed in celebrating properly — often treating himself to a lobster dinner, a tradition his family remembers fondly.

Rudy was also a devoted foodie who especially loved Mexican cuisine, with caldo ranking among his absolute favorites. His family remembers affectionately the way his face would light up whenever a warm bowl arrived at the table, often followed by his signature little “food shimmy” of delight. More than a love of good food, Rudy cherished the joy of gathering — sharing meals, laughter, and stories with the people he loved most. That spirit of warmth, connection, and appreciation for family traditions lives on through the generations who inherited both his love for Mexican cooking and the joy he brought to every table.

Rudy lived life on his own terms and was never one to plan too far ahead. He was fond of saying, “If I’m there, I’m there. If I’m not, I’m not.” Family and friends grew accustomed to his spontaneous visits, often delighting loved ones with an unexpected stop by and an invitation for coffee or dinner. Sometimes, he would even arrive with food in hand, encouraging his host to prepare a feast in his honor.

At the end of the meal, Rudy would lean back with a smile, rest a hand on his belly, and happily declare, “That was very unexpected.” It became one of his signature phrases — one that continues to bring smiles and warm memories to all who knew and loved him.

One of Rudy’s favorite places was Walbridge Park, where he walked along the Maumee River nearly every day. During his walks, he often picked up trash and recyclables, simply because he believed in caring for his community and preserving the beauty around him. Watching the sunset over the river brought him peace and became one of his most cherished daily traditions.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arturo Lopez, Aurora, and Alberto Longoria; brothers, Eleodoro “Lolo” Lopez and Felipe Longoria.

Rudy is survived by his children, Olga Lopez (John Court), Ruby Lopez, Rose Tovar (Peter), and Rodolfo Lopez Jr. (Melinda), brother Teofilo Longoria and sister, Beatrice (Jorge) Rodriguez; his sister-in-laws Ofelia Lopez and Josefina Longoria, grandchildren Veronica Mora (Roberto Reyes), Vanessa Court (Darren Linthicum), Velina Garcia (Patrick Smith), Jorge Cruz Salazar Jr. (Grace Bevan), Julio Salazar (Celeste), Alex Tovar, Cristina Badillo (Jesus), David Tovar (Stefania), Joshua Lopez, and Marissa Lopez; along with many great-grandchildren, extended family members, and loved ones who will continue to carry his memory forward.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Southwest Toledo Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, Ohio 43614.

During the visitation, The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. All who wish to join in prayer are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring a rosary if possible.

A brief prayer service will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mausoleum Chapel at Restlawn Cemetery, 3665 Genoa Rd., Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.

The family wishes to thank friends, family, and the community for the many prayers, messages, and acts of kindness shared during this difficult time.

Born in Mexico and shaped by service, faith, hard work, and family, Rudy leaves behind a legacy of strength, devotion, and love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rudy’s honor to Toledo Metroparks – Walbridge Park or Flag City Honor Flight, two organizations that reflected places and experiences he deeply loved. When making a donation, family and friends may use the “Add a note” section within PayPal to make the gift in memory of Rodolfo “Rudy” Lopez.