Rodolfo "Rudy" Tapia

Rodolfo Ricardo Tapia, known by his loved ones as Rudy, died on April 12, 2024, at the age of 91.

Born in Santa Fe, NM in 1933, Rudy proudly served the United States Air Force in Financial Management, in a career spanning 20 years. Rudy had posts in France, Greece, Japan, and Pakistan, retiring from service in 1975 as a Master Sergeant and settling back home in Santa Fe. After his time in the United States Air Force, Rudy also served the State of New Mexico as an Auditor.

Rudy met the love of his life, Marilyn Carmen Salazar in Santa Fe. Soon after their marriage, Rudy and Carmen relocated to Albuquerque, NM, where they raised two sons, Paul and Daniel.

Rudy was a strong, dedicated, selfless husband and father who gave everything to his family. He never stopped helping us, going above the call of duty, and ensuring our lives were the best he could make them. We will miss his warm smile and twinkle in the eye, his steady and quiet demeanor, and the way he set an example for us to be better people, fulfill our responsibilities in life, and never feel sorry for ourselves.

Job well done, Dad. We love you and will always miss you.

Rudy is survived by his wife, Carmen; son, Paul, daughter-in-law, Lisa, granddaughter, Joanna; and son, Daniel.

A graveside service will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 1 p.m.