Rudolfo Esmeralda Herras' Obituary
In Loving Memory of Rudolfo Esmeralda Herras
Rudolfo “Rudy” Esmeralda Herras
February 5, 1950-January 29, 2024
Resident of Alameda, CA
On January 29, 2023 Rudolfo “Rudy” Esmeralda Herras, 73, was surrounded by family as he entered into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ. He was a devout Christian, husband, father and Lolo whose life’s journey was marked by faith, excellence, and service to others.
On February 5,1950, Rudy was born in Naga City, Philippines to parents Buenaventura and Cristina Herras. He attended Bicol Elementary Catholic School where he developed a deep faith and reverence for God. He also spoke seven dialects from the different provinces of the Philippines. Rudy and his family moved to the Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines where his father, Buenaventura, a Bataan Death March survivor, served. After his father’s military retirement, the US Embassy offered them an opportunity to immigrate to the United States. On November 21, 1964, Rudy and his family left their homeland with hopes of a better life. The US military provided a ship, and they arrived at the Port of Oakland 21 days later.
During his formative teen years, Rudy attended Encinal High School in Alameda, Ca. He was a part of the wrestling and karate club where he received a black belt. Four years later, Rudy’s father unexpectedly passed away. He became the sole provider for his mother as his older brother, Jamie, served in the Vietnam War.
On October 28, 1972, Rudy married the love of his life, Linda. Together, they built a strong foundation of love, devotion to God, and family. They shared 51 years of cherished memories and blessings. As newlyweds, they built their Lake Tahoe vacation home. In 1975, they welcomed their son, Ryan. They worked hard and purchased their Lafayette home before welcoming twins, Lynna and Jaimee, and then their youngest daughter, Leah. Rudy enjoyed playing chess with Ryan, taking his girls out to breakfast on Saturdays, daily trips to Tucker’s ice cream, and library trips for Leah. As Lolo, he took the grandkids on park dates, chess tournaments, did school drop-offs and annual vacations. Rudy’s devotion to his family and consistent work ethic was remarkable. He put all four children through college, helped them purchase their first homes, led his family faithfully, and instilled in his grandchildren the “Herras Way.”
Rudy’s life-changing experience was his conversion to Pentecost in 1984. He helped build Gospel Lighthouse Church in Alameda, Ca and was the first family of this new assembly. He loved studying the Bible and faithfully served in any capacity. He was a pillar and gave of his time, finances, and energy serving churches throughout the East Bay. In 2017, they transitioned to East Bay Bible
Fellowship where they helped their son-in-law, Pastor Ari Prado, and daughter, Jaimee, establish a new church in the city they loved. At EBBF, he trained the young men, served as Elder, and was the first person to greet you with his warm smile. Rudy was a lifetime resident of Alameda, where he created a community. He was known at the Starbucks on Blanding for being “consistently kind.” He loved his neighbors and helped them by sweeping and taking care of their garbage. All of his children's friends knew him as “Papa Rudy” or Lolo because he always welcomed them into his home. Rudy had a fulfilling career as a Gas Serviceman Representative for PG&E. He attended Laney College and the Pacific Gas and Electric Trade Program. He worked for PG&E for 40 years and trained, mentored, and took on complex jobs. He also conducted work quality audits to ensure the GSR department met safety standards. After he retired, he led safety training for state fairs, public schools, agriculture associations, fire departments and for PG&E employees.
Rudy leaves behind a legacy of faith, excellence, and service to others that will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew him. His life is a testament of the transformative power of God's grace and his unwavering dedication. A spirit of excellence transcended every aspect of his life. He led a life of order, yet the gravity, strength, and steadfastness in his life had rippling effects in his world. Rudy is preceded in death by his parents, Buenaventura and Cristina Herras and his beloved Pastor and son-in-law, Ari Prado.
Rudy’s life will forever be cherished in the life of his wife, Linda Herras; his children Ryan (Annette) Herras, Lynna (Jesse) Willoughby, Jaimee (Ari) and Leah; his brother Jaime (Emmy) Herras; loving eight grandchildren Luke Herras, Ellie Herras, Kyra Herras, Ayla Prado, Nora Prado, Olivia Willoughby, Bennett Willoughby and Levi Willloughby; and nieces and nephews, including Bernadette
(Todd) Dozier, and Christopher (Dawn) Herras.
A celebration of Rudy's life will be held on February 17, 2024, at First Church San Jose, located at 878 Boynton Avenue, San Jose, Ca 95117 at 10 AM. Rudy will be laid to rest at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward, Ca.
”His Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’“
Matthew 25:21
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