Rudy Medina
Rudy Medina, 78 of Santa Barbara, passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2026 surrounded by the love and comforting presence of his family.
Rudy was born on February 25, 1948, in Seguin, Texas to Sarah and Fidencio Medina. Following his father’s sudden passing, the family relocated to Santa Barbara. Rudy attended Hope Elementary School and La Colina Junior High before graduating from San Marcos High School.
Rudy met the love of his life, Julie, shortly after high school and the two married in the summer of 1969. Together they built a life centered on family and raised three children: David, Gabriel and Debra. He dedicated over 28 years of service as a Senior Corrections Officer with the Sheriff’s Department before retiring in 2003.
He was one of a kind, with an adventurous spirit and a deep love for his family. Rudy had a big heart and a genuine way of connecting with everyone he met. He loved to make people laugh and was known for his quick wit. His greatest joys revolved around family, from road trips with his younger siblings to poker nights with his sons and brothers. He especially cherished time at home with his children and grandchildren watching sports, catching up on life and sharing stories about the past. Rudy was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife Julie; his children David (Jennifer), Gabriel (Stephanie) and Debra; his grandchildren Benjamin, Nathan, Elizabeth and Emma; and his siblings Ruben (Sandra), Julian Jr. (Jill), Evangeline (Bruce), Roy (Georgia), Chuck (Anna), Virginia (Scott) and Bob (Bertha). He was preceded in death by his father Fidencio, mother Sarah, and stepfather Julian.
The family extends gratitude to Rudy’s care team, especially Dr. Winner and staff of Sutter Family Medicine, Dr. Golgert and staff of Sutter Nephrology, Dr. Tarleton, the nurses and staff at Ridley-Tree Center for Wound Management, the visiting nurses and care team with VNA Health and VNA Hospice who provided great care and guidance in his final days.
To honor his life, a Rosary will be held on October 29 at 6:30 p.m at Welch-Ryce-Haider, 15 E. Sola St. A funeral Mass will be held on October 30 at 10 a.m at Our Lady of Sorrows, 21 E. Sola St. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery 199 N. Hope Ave.
