Rodolfo Zavala Sr.

Rodolfo Fontanel Zavala Sr. ("Big Rudy")

September 16, 1946 – May 22, 2026

Rodolfo Fontanel Zavala Sr., lovingly known as Big Rudy, passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old at the time of his passing.

Born on September 16, 1946, in Mexico City, Mexico, Rudy was the eldest son of Gloria and Jose Guadalupe Zavala. In 1954, he immigrated to San Pedro, California, with his parents, brother Lino, and sister Silvia, where he would build a life rooted in family, service, education, and the arts.

As a young man, Rudy developed a passion for art and earned a scholarship to the prestigious Otis Art Institute. He worked as a commercial artist and later at Abby Signs in Gardena, where his creativity and talent left a lasting impression.

Rudy proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Then he met the love of his life in 1969 Dora Macias who worked at Fort Mcarthur at a restaurant there.

He then continued his education at California State University, Dominguez Hills and pursued his calling as an educator.

On February 12, 1971, Rudy married the love of his life after three years of courtship. Together they built a home and a family in San Pedro, creating a lifetime of cherished memories. Whose home was always open to all.

On October 15, 1979, Rudy became the proud father of his son, Rodolfo "Rudy" Alberto Zavala Jr. He was his son's first baseball coach and always sought to share his love of music, even attempting to teach him guitar.

In 1978, Rudy graduated and began his teaching career as a bilingual teacher at Wilmington Junior High School. He later joined Fremont High School in Los Angeles, where he dedicated more than three decades to educating and inspiring students before retiring after 33 years of service.As well teaching summer School and San Pedro High School. He also taught art classes in Gardena, sharing his creativity and passion with countless young people.

Rudy was a gifted commercial artist, musician, teacher, mentor, husband, father, and grandfather. His artistic talent, warm spirit, and dedication to helping others touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Above all else, Rudy was a devoted family man. He was a source of strength, wisdom, laughter, and inspiration and resposbility. His kindness, creativity, and unwavering love for his family will be remembered always.

Rudy's impact was especially evident in the way he helped raise his granddaughter. He emphasized the importance of education, responsibility, hard work, and helping others. Through his example as a teacher, veteran, and devoted family man, he showed that a meaningful life is built through service and commitment to others. Those values left a lasting impression on his family and continue to be carried forward in different ways. His influence can be seen not only in what he accomplished, but in the lives he helped shape and inspire.

Rudy's legacy lives on through the many students he taught, the art he created, the music he loved, and the family he cherished.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.