Rudy Zamora

RUDY CASTANEDA ZAMORA 1928-2023 Rudy C. Zamora passed away peacefully at his home of 60 years on March 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving and adoring family. Rudy was born in El Monte, California on July 15, 1928, to Cruz Zamora and Pascuala Castaneda Zamora. Rudy attended public schools in Selma and on November 17, 1950, was inducted into the U.S. Army where he served proudly with the 5th Regimental Combat team, a unit assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Korea, where he was a machine gunner until he was honorably discharged on November 8, 1952 Rudy was also an onsite military observer at one of the earliest Atomic Bomb tests conducted in the Nevada desert in 1951. Not long after his military service, Rudy was reunited with the love of his life, his childhood sweetheart Anna Montoya and they were married on 7/16/1954. They were married for 69 years and were an inspiration to all family and friends, demonstrating by their example how a lasting and loving marriage is crafted and nurtured. Rudy worked for Christian Brothers Winery for 29 1/2 years and remained for several years after the winery was sold to Heublein, inc. Rudy spent most of his years at the Famous winery as a shipping sub foreman and foreman and was known for his work ethic and professional approach to his work duties which is understandable because Rudy never did anything at half effort. He retired in 1990 at the age of 62 but for Rudy that meant he could now pursue his many varied interests, most of which centered on his large and loving family. Rudy was never one to sit in a rocking chair. Home repair projects and many trips were the order of the day. Even late in life it was a chore keeping Rudy off of a ladder. Rudy was a renowned figure in Selma, known and recognized for his avid support of all Selma Bear sports, in particular the Football teams. Rudy was celebrated for his prodigious memory, and he could quote scores going back to the mid 50's. Rudy would travel the state to see any game where his Selma Bears were competing, and his support never wavered whether the Bears were 13-0 or 0-12. Rudy was also a devoted RAIDERS and LAKERS fan and would often take trips by bus to the LA coliseum or Oakland Coliseum to watch professional football games. Rudy also loved his casinos, and he was deadly when it came to hitting the Royal Flush on the Poker Machines. He also enjoyed trips to the Coast with his family. Rudy believed in being an informed and knowledgeable citizen-patriot and he closely followed politics and current events on both the national and local level as well as key civic events in his beloved hometown and he could often be found sitting in on official Selma City council meetings. He was also involved in the Korea War Veterans Association and travelled to Washington D.C. several times to visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial, a shrine which he considered long overdue. Rudy was extremely social and active and had many friends spanning multiple generations. Friends and family would seek out his wise counsel as they hoped to draw from and benefit from his expansive life experiences and inherent common sense and wisdom. The "unofficial" Selma City council comprised of Rudy and his numerous "cronies'" met almost daily for many years at the local McDonalds and then the Taco Bell restaurant. They would often adjourn and then meet at other local eateries to enjoy a more formal meal together. Rudy was the consummate family man and Rudy and Anna's home was the epicenter of most family gatherings over the years, and he was well known and appreciated by friends and family for his unrivalled abilities at the BBQ grill and for his delicious Menudo which he lovingly made from scratch. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents Cruz Zamora and Pascuala Zamora, brothers Ezekiel Zamora, Henry Zamora, Louie Zamora, Jose Zamora and Danny Zamora and sisters Lupe Borunda and Eva Chacon. In addition, he was preceded in death by Nephews Eddie Zamora, Rick Borunda, Bobby Chacon and niece Hedy Borunda. He is survived by Anna his loving wife of 69 years, his sisters Terry Balderama and Mary Ruben and by his 3 daughters: Barbara Torres (Hector), Joann Bowers (Tom), and Sally Zamora (Tom Primrose) Rudy was a loving grandpa to Bobbi Jaurique-Escobar (Marcos), Amber Torres, Christina Torres (David), Bernadette Gonzalez (Oscar) and Rigo Zamora Don Diego (Clara). Rudy was a great grandfather to 12; Bridgette, Desi, Olivia, Emma, Chloe, Gabriel, Victoria, Tyler, Bailey, Ella, Roman and Erick. The family would like to give special thanks to the Talented Staff at the Veterans Medical center in Fresno and to the wonderful staff at Hinds hospice for their loving and exceptional care. A viewing and visitation will be held on Tuesday 3/21/2023 from 4:30-6:00 pm followed immediately by a Rosary at Thomas-Marcom Funeral home - 2345 McCall Ave. Selma, Calif. 93662 Funeral Mass to be held on Wednesday 3/22/2023 at 9:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 2441 Dockery Avenue, Selma, Ca. 93662