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Rodolfo Jacuzzi
March 6, 1926 ~ March 19, 2017
Resident of Lafayette, CA
Rodolfo Jacuzzi passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
Rudy, as he was known to all, was born March 6, 1926 in Brentwood, California, to Gelindo and Rosa Jacuzzi, who emigrated from Italy. His father was one of the founders of Jacuzzi Brothers, Inc., a family business of inventors and entrepreneurs who pioneered in aviation, developed pumps for agriculture, and eventually invented the famous hydro-massage bath that made the name "Jacuzzi" famous around the world.
Rudy grew up on a farm in Brentwood. As a child on the "Ranch," he developed a life-long love for fishing, hunting and wildlife. After he graduated from Antioch High School in 1943, he enlisted into the Navy and was sent to Peru State College in Nebraska where he studied Electrical Engineering. One of a select few, Rudy was sent by the Navy to continue his studies at Rice University in Texas. When the war ended, he completed his studies at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 1948 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
At Cal, Rudy met the love of his life, Mary Bacon. They were married in Oakland on July 29, 1949. In 1953, they moved to Lafayette, where they raised their family and developed many lifelong friends. Rudy was known and loved by all for his dynamic personality, magnanimous heart, and optimistic spirit. His home in Happy Valley was a happy hub, where friends and family were always welcome to gather. All will remember Rudy's beaming smile and twinkling eyes as he tended the barbeque, mixed the drinks, or prepared his famous pots of linguine and clams. Rudy loved to play the harmonica and sing, which he did beautifully. He also loved to dance, and he and Mary jitterbugging out on the dance floor would mesmerize many a crowd.
But as much as he loved a party, Rudy was devoted to work. After graduating from Cal, Rudy worked for several years for Jacuzzi Brothers, Inc. Not satisfied with the status quo, Rudy's entrepreneurial spirit led to his founding of International Mfg. Co., which manufactured and sold swimming pool equipment and pumps. Rudy's businesses diversified into the manufacturing of mag wheels and step-side truck beds for General Motors and Toyota, banking (he co-founded Delta Pacific Bank) and commercial real estate development. Rudy was also an active member of Benicia Rotary.
Above all, Rudy was committed to family, but not just to his wife and children. He also worked for the benefit of his mother and siblings. "Uncle Rudy" provided a pillar of strength to all who turned to him and served as mentor to many of his nephews and nieces and younger friends over the years, offering advice, support or financial assistance. His love for family extended beyond his blood relations too. Many others became like family to him, particularly Virginia Villafuerte, her son Rene Sanchez, and many friends of his children.
Rudy loved to hunt and fish. Whether at his Duck Club in Dixon or on a hunting trip to Canada for big game, Rudy felt at his ease with his shotgun in hand and the great outdoors under his feet. Rudy also enjoyed navigating the Delta waters with family and friends on his mahogany cabin "cocktail" cruiser, Kim Sue, as well as spending time at his mountain home in Truckee. At home, he enjoyed working in his beautiful garden.
Rudy also loved to travel and with Mary visited countries all over the world. He particularly enjoyed trips to his good Aussie friends in Australia and his daughter's family in Ireland.
Rudy was well known for his sharp mind, skill in finance, and commanding presence in business negotiations, as well as his unique ability to engage with so many different kinds of people. But he was also deeply compassionate towards the needs of others in the greater world, and together with his wife he contributed generously to many charities and worthy causes.
Rudy lived a vibrant, active life up until his late eighties when Lewy Body Dementia began to erode his capacities. Yet it was with courage and resilience that he faced every phase of this devastating disease. A special thank you to LivHome and East Bay Hospice, whose staff and volunteers will be remembered for their wonderful service and compassion. An extraordinary thank you goes to our beloved Virginia for all the love and care she gave to Rudy over the past four decades.
Rudy is survived by his loving wife, Mary; and by his siblings Lola Fenolio, Tullio Jacuzzi, and Daniele Jacuzzi; his sister, Olga Gall, preceded him in death. He is survived by his five children, Marianne (Robert), Laura, Douglas (Georgia), Leanna (Brad), and Marc (Kaye); his grandchildren Matthew (Jen), Patrick (Joanne), Brendan, Lea, Kieran, Cullen, Spencer, Lola, Aidan, Dylan, Cielo and Ava; as well as his great-grandchildren Rosanna, Angelina, Dean, Nevaeh and Wylder. He is survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews as well.
Rudy will be laid to rest at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette. Services celebrating his life will be held at Oakmont on April 14, 2017 at 1:30 pm, followed by a reception at Lafayette Park Hotel.
To honor Rudy, donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of wetland and associated habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife.
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6 Entries
My Grandfather was Joseph Link, he was the original owner of the Rudy's boat.. the Kim Sue.. he was also the owner of West Coast Engineering, one of the first pool contractors in Contra Costa County, which Rudy did business with the Jacuzzi pool pumps..
the boat " Kim Sue" was named after me..
I am Kimberly Suzanne - thus the "Kim Sue". I was a little kid but I remember " Uncle Rudy"
Kimberly Suzanne Knight-Dirato
August 20, 2018
I was rudys guide on a goose hunt in Texas 20 years ago! Sorry about your loss. He had some great stories and I enjoyed talking w him!
Alan Brandt
Alan Brandt
June 15, 2017
Growing up in Lafayette, I was fortunate to be seated next to Marianne at Stanley Middle School. We became life-long friends. So, I had the good fortune to spend time with her family. Mary and Rudy, to me, were the ideal couple. The soft, gentle, sweetness of their caring and love for one another made an indelible impression on me, which I feel today as I reflect on the passing of Marianne's father.
Bonny Light
March 28, 2017
I was 18 when Rudy gave me a job @ INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING CO in Bencia.
Rudy was a Nice & Generous Man who treated me very well. I worked hard with Heavy Equipment @ the job site.
My sincere & deep condolences to the Jacuzzi Family.
RIP
Lon E. Light
Lafayette
LON LIGHT
March 27, 2017
Dearest Jacuzzi Family, Rudy continues to be loved and lives in our hearts always. His kind friendship, and joyful nature and sincerity have modeled an attitude towards living that help to guide us daily.
Our love and care goes out to all do you.
Hugs and kisses, Rudy style, yours, the Forsters, Peter, Kathy, and Lauren.
Kathy Forster
March 26, 2017
Rest In Peace, Rudy. Yours was a life defined by abundance of love, commitment, compassion and your ever-present smile that lit up every room you ever entered. You were like a father to me and I loved you as if you were mine. I shall never forget the kindness you showed me as a youngster always welcomed in your home and the respect you bestowed on me as a lawyer working side by side with you. Your legacy will live on, Rudy, in your beautiful family and in the friends whose lives you touched deeply the world over. Heaven has a new bartender today, one who makes the world's best hot buttered rums. Lucky heaven. Godspeed, Rudy. I shall love you forever. Love, Heidi
Heidi Timken
March 25, 2017
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