Rodolfo Ayala

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rodolfo H. Ayala, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, and uncle to many. Rodolfo passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 88.

Rodolfo (aka Rudy) was born in Acuitzio, Michoacán, México, on May 21,1936, to Modesto Herrera and Maria de Jesus Ayala. He was the eldest of ten siblings and, at the age of twenty-three, migrated to the Bay Area through the Bracero Program in the 1960’s. He worked in agriculture until he met his beloved wife, Lydia Zamora. They married in 1965 and began a gardening business in Sunnyvale, CA. Together, they settled in Sunnyvale where he became a self-employed gardener for over 50 years. Rudy and his wife Lydia were married for thirty-two years until her passing in March 1997. He is survived by his three children: Rudy Jr. Ayala, Helen A. Garcia, and Daniel Ayala, as well as his three grandchildren: Lydia, Ernesto Jr., and Emiliano Garcia. He was a kind neighbor and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Rudy relished his role as a patriarch and embraced his commitment to raising his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride. His home was always open, and welcoming to family for cheer and support. Not surprisingly, he enjoyed eating healthy, but could never pass up a BBQ! He was hard-working and earned great respect among his family, clients, and friends. We will miss Rudy’s infectious smile, laugh, and countless stories. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Visitation: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by the

Rosary at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May, 15, at Lima & Campagna Sunnyvale Mortuary, 1315 Hollenbeck Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Funeral Mass: Friday, May 16, at 12:30 pm, at St. Martin Parish, 593 Central Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Internment: Following the Funeral Mass, at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Celebration of Life to Follow.