Rodolfo Villarreal

Rodolfo’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 4 at 11:30 am at St. Francis of Assisi.

Rodolfo “Rudy” H. Villarreal, 88, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on July 12, 1937, in Paras, Nuevo León, Mexico, he grew up in Mathis, Texas, and graduated from Mathis High School in 1956. Soon after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a decorated 31-year career that ended with his retirement as Sergeant Major. Rudy served with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions and the 5th, 7th, and 10th Special Forces Groups as a medic and HALO Team Sergeant, completing over 1,400 jumps and two tours in Vietnam. His team achieved record-breaking high-altitude HALO jumps in Spain and Greece.

In 1960, Rudy met the love of his life, Rachel Valero. Married for 65 years, they built a life rooted in faith, discipline, and family. He is survived by Rachel, their three children—Rodolfo Jr., Esmeralda, and Miriam—and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his greatest pride. After retiring, Rudy became a plumber, earned a degree from Southwest Texas State University, and remained active through fitness, music, and his artistic crafts. His legacy of strength, love, and service lives on in all who knew him.