Rudolf (Rudy) Jose Hernandez

Rudolf (Rudy) Jose Hernandez, a lifelong resident of Santa Barbara, California, passed away on February 2, 2025. He was born on December 20, 1935, at St. Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara.

Rudy was predeceased by his parents Rafael and Teresa Hernandez. He is survived by his sisters Mary Quittner and Lola Rosales and  his beloved wife of 64 years, Nadia Toscan Hernandez,  his daughter, Lisa James-Herman (Jeff),  his son Mark Hernandez, and his grandchildren: Mitchell James (Victoria),  Austin James, J.J. Herman (Jessi), Mark Gabriel Hernandez, Noah Nance, and Alyssa Hernandez. He is also survived by his great-granddaughters Isabel and Layla Herman, and several nieces and nephews.

A proud Santa Barbara local, Rudy graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1954, embracing the motto, Once a Don, always a Don. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean War.

Rudy’s career with the Montecito Fire Department began in 1960. He took immense pride in his work and his firefighter family, retiring as a captain after 26 years of dedicated service. During this time, he earned his Associate of Science degree in 1972 from Santa Barbara City College. He married the love of his life, Nadia Toscan in February of 1961 and they experienced 64 happy years together.

Rudy was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed working on cars, iron working, and tinkering in his garage. He led the restoration of a 1919 La France Fire Truck for the Montecito Fire
Department and completed the renovation of a 1932 Model B Ford to its original condition. His passion for 1964-65 Mustangs was well-known, as he bought, sold, and restored several of these classic cars. An accomplished welder, Rudy crafted numerous weather vanes that are displayed on family homes and throughout the community.

Socially, Rudy cherished coffee dates with his wife, participating in events supported by the Italian American Boot Club, and making new friends wherever he went. He loved sharing stories of Old Santa Barbara and always inquired if new acquaintances were locals.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Friendship Center for the many enjoyable days Rudy spent there, and to Mission Park Healthcare for their help, care, and kindness.

A funeral mass will be held on March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara, California.

Graveside services will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Ave., Santa Barbara, California. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations:

Alzheimer’s Association
1528 Chapala St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Ridley Tree Cancer Center
540 W. Pueblo St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Italian Scholarship Foundation
c/o MacFarlane, Faletti & Co.
3737 State St., Suite #B
Santa Barbara, CA 93105