Rudolpho Terrazas Gallego (August 1, 1949 – November 26, 2023)
Rudy was known for his dedication and love for his family, his love of sports, and his special ability to influence and coach anyone who was willing to listen and learn. He was also a positive mentor in the lives of everyone he met. Rudy T. Gallego, 74, of Tucson, passed away at the Tucson VA Hospital on Sunday, November 26, 2023.
Rudy was preceded in death by his parents Casimiro and Rosenda Gallego and older brother Casimiro “JR” Gallego. Rudy was proud of the upbringing that he experienced with his parents and never forgot his roots on Tucson’s south side. Rudy attended C.E. Rose Elementary, Wakefield Jr. High and graduated from Pueblo High School in 1968. After graduating from Pueblo, he received an offer to play professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals. After Spring Training with the St. Louis Cardinals, he declined their offer and was advised to go back to school to gain more experience. Rudy was heavily recruited as a pitcher by Arizona State University, which was a Top 5 Program in the Nation. Due to some academic issues, Rudy decided to attend Eastern Arizona Community College to pursue his dream of playing Major League Baseball. After a semester at Eastern Arizona, he made the ultimate decision to join the United States Marine Corp. On June 9, 1970, Rudy stepped on a land mine, ending his professional baseball dream. Rudy sustained catastrophic injuries to his lower extremities along with his index finger and middle finger on his right hand. His spirit, drive and determination never wavered. Rudy went on to graduate from the University of Arizona where he started the University of Arizona Wildchairs Wheelchair Basketball Team and coached the Juniors Active in Wheelchair Sports (JAWS). He also managed Little League Baseball for over two decades. He was an all-around athlete excelling in basketball, tennis, swimming, bowling, boxing and track & field.
Rudy met the love of his life, Sherri, in September of 1970, in San Mateo, California. Excited to start their new life together they were married March 25, 1972, in Burlingame, CA. Rudy and Sherri started a family of their own in January 1973, with the birth of their daughter, Angela, then moved to Tucson where their son Rudy was born in December 1974.
In addition to his wife and two children, Tata Opo leaves behind five grandchildren: Michael (Melanie), Javi (Espi), Joseph, Anissa and Lucas. Four great-grandchildren: Santiago, Adrian (Yogi), Naomi and Serenity Rose. Rudy also leaves a sister Mary Castro (Tudy) and brother Art Gallego, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and many beloved family members and friends.
Services honoring Rudy’s remarkable life will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1300 N. Greasewood Rd, 85745. Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial at South Lawn Memorial Cemetery following Mass at 5401 S. Park Ave, 85706. Celebration of Life Luncheon following burial at El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th Street, 85713.
Old Pueblo Abuelo: I cant imagine my life without Rudy Gallego in it https://t.co/f9friPg7VV https://t.co/Na1BvVcjhC pic.twitter.com/PpqTvPI9vQ
— Andy Morales (@AndyMorales8) December 3, 2023
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