June 27, 1957 – Jan. 5, 2026

It is with profound sadness and deep faith that the family of Rudy Gonzales of Tujunga share that he went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 5 in Los Angeles. He passed away peacefully with his wife Shari by his side. He was 68.

Rudy was born on June 27, 1957 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Elias and Martina “Tiny” Gonzales and the youngest brother of Sylvia, Minerva, Leonor, Elias Jr. and Alfred. He graduated from Fox Technical High School in 1975 and went on to earn his associates degree in graphic design from San Antonio College in 1977.

Following his graduation, Rudy moved to California to pursue his career where he began work in the printing industry, a career that lasted over 30 years. He started as a print typist at the Glendale News-Press before working his way into print sales. Rudy eventually started his own company called Medina Graphic Consulting as a print broker, which he ran until he retired.

Once he retired, Rudy volunteered with the Salvation Army, the Los Angeles Police Dept. and most recently with the California Highway Patrol where he was presented with the Senior Volunteer of the Year Award in 2024.

Throughout his childhood, Rudy enjoyed drawing and he won many awards and scholarships for his artwork. He also loved music, being outdoors (especially in the mountains) and photography. Rudy loved being with his family as well as barbecuing and he spent many hours around the grill socializing and cooking for loved ones. He loved collecting Old Western and Native American artifacts. 

Rudy also loved traveling, his weekly Friday afternoon lunch dates with Shari and hanging out with his beloved cat Blackie. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, the joy he had serving his community, his patriotism, his love for his family and most importantly for his devotion to the Lord.

Rudy is survived by his wife of 27 years Shari; daughter Faith Lin; husband Paul; and daughter Lorelai as well as Shari’s three children: stepdaughter Stacie Perry and her husband Bill and their sons Owen and Miles; stepson Greg Medrano; and stepdaughter Tammy Medrano. He is also survived by his sister Leonor Cramberg and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews in Texas.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Light on the Corner Church in Montrose on Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow.