Rudy De Lara

On August 20, 2014, Rudy de Lara, age 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Rudy was born April 7, 1924, in Don Galo, Paranaque, Rizal, Philippines. He was one of five children born to Melchor Lara and Feliza Hernandez.

Rudy came to the United States to study engineering at Stanford. He worked as a Structural Engineer in the state of California for 40 years: 8 at Bechtel and 32 at Parsons.

He had two marriages: first to his college sweetheart Jean Martin with whom he had two sons, Rudy Martin and Eugene Melchor. A six-month engineering stint in Frankfurt lasted three years and resulted in his second marriage to Ute Hamann, a civil engineer. Rudy and Ute lived in Frankfurt, Paris, Padua (Italy) and Pasadena. Rudy and Ute had three daughters, Sue Kay, Dee Jay and Kim Marikit.

Rudy lived a long, amazing life filled with much success, adventure, joy and happiness. He touched so many people with his kindness, generosity, humor and spirit. At the age of 80, Rudy wrote his life story called "Boy Guerrilla", which takes you through his time during World War II as a guerrilla fighter, his kidnapping, murder charge, love affairs and world travels.

Throughout his life, Rudy generously gave back to the children and the poor of his hometown Don Galo.

Last April, Rudy celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends in his dream home in Pasadena, California where he resided with his wife Ute. Rudy loved his family and is survived by his wife, 5 children and 6 grandchildren: Ryan, Evan, Zola, Inez, Paloma and Austin (whom he lovingly called his "Jackpot").

High five! We will miss you Opa!

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.