Rodolfo Lao

Rodolfo Cala Lao, or affectionately knowm as Rudy, died at the age of 91 in Pasadena, California on April 18, 2023. Rudy succumbed to a 5-month battle to lymphoma. Born on August 26, 1931, in Baybay, Leyte, Philippines from Victoriano and Clemencia Lao, Rudy was the fourth of eleven children. Rudy married Bella Mercado on December 19, 1959. He graduated from two universities: University of San Carlos where he graduated magna sum laude and Far Eastern University, where he achieved degrees in Accounting and Law, respectively. He immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 1976, and a year later, brought his wife and child to Pasadena--where he had lived since 1977. Rudy had been a long time participant in donations to charity, and was a parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Church since 1977, as well. He worked for USAid, Farley Brothers Moving and Storage, and retired with Bekins Moving and Storage.

Rudy often spent his time appreciating the fascinations of the world, which is why he enjoyed traveling and hoped to do more of it before his passing. He found joy in every new thing the progressing world had to offer, and liked to spend time listening to classical music and maintaining the health of himself and his wife, Bella--whom he cared for personally up until his diagnosis. Rudy valued knowledge, his family, and was one for sarcastic jokes. He was very hard-working in that he, alone, came to the US and spent a year setting up a foundation for his family's future and success, and did not hesitate to offer help when his family needed it. He is survived by his wife, Bella Lao; daughter, Michelle Cupp, and her husband, Eugene Cupp, and his three grandchildren. He also also survived by three of his siblings, Alberto Lao, Wilfredo Lao, Virginia Morales, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and many of his siblings.

The service for Rudy will take place on May 17, 2023 at 9:00 AM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068. Visitation will be 9:00-1:00 PM Tuesday, May 16, 2023. For more information, feel free to call Forest Lawn Memorial Park at (800) 204-3131 x7312.

Thank you to Rudy's dear family and friends. His life can be summarized as Diligent, Accomplished, and Graceful. Here is a poem that aligns with Rudy's dedication for life, and the sacrifices he's made along the way before his peaceful respite:

Whose Woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

to watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkness evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is so mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost