Rodrigo Villanueva Rimando, Sr.

Rodrigo Villanueva Rimando, Sr. was known to most as Rudy throughout his life. He is remembered as a warm and friendly man, always with a ready smile, and sometimes a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. He was called home to the Lord on February 25, 2022 at the age of 85.

Born March 13, 1936 in Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines, Rudy grew up in nearby Naguillian. He attended Baguio Technical College, and then enlisted in the US Navy on April 1, 1960 at Sangley Point Naval Base in Cavite, Philippines. Soon afterward, he reported in May 1960 to San Diego Naval Training Center in California, and then in August 1960 to Basic Submarine Enlisted School in New London, Connecticut. He would go on to spend his entire military career as a Submariner, which took him all over the world, including stations in New London, Canal Zone, Panama, Charleston, South Carolina and finally to the Naval Submarine Base Bangor in Silverdale, Washington from which he retired in 1989 as a Master Chief Petty Officer. He was also inducted to the prestigious Holland Club, which is an exclusive group of sailors who are “Qualified in Submarines" for a minimum of 50 years.
 
Certainly, his life was well-defined by his dedication to service by the time he retired. But it did not end with his military career. Rudy was active in retirement in many service, community and cultural organizations. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus serving both in Charleston, SC and the Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy Council at St. Cecilia; active in the American Legion Colin Hyde Post 172; and served on several boards and committees in and around the Bainbridge Island community. He was a professional caterer for many years in retirement, and would cater the soul food dinner for the Total Experience Gospel choir’s annual ”Sing Out!” MLK celebration on the island. He was also active in the US Submarine Veterans Bremerton Base, and could be seen every 4th of July riding the SubVets float in the local Grand Ol’ Fourth parade.
 
Rudy was also steadfast in his dedication to service of the Filipino American community in retirement as well. He served for 20 years as the president of the Filipino American Community of Bainbridge Island and Vicinity alongside many of his dear friends. He spearheaded a successful campaign in the 1990s that designated Filipino Community Hall on Bainbridge Island to be the first ever Filipino cultural site recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. He was active in FilAms throughout Kitsap County and also participated in and helped found regional and national Filipino American coalition organizations as well. 
 
Most of all, Rudy was dedicated to his family, who survives him. He was the loving husband of 58 years to his dear wife, Emma. The pair are remembered for their graceful and skilled dance moves at parties and events. He was the unwaveringly supportive father to Rodrigo Jr. (wife Melissa), Rex, and Rosannette (husband Michael Chareunsap). His love for each of them was as unique as they are but felt deeply just the same. He was also the “favorite uncle” to so many in his large extended family as well.  And he was lovingly called Grandpa Rudy and Lolo Rudy by his adoring grandchildren, Ryan and Craig Rimando, and Rodrigo and Bibiana Chareunsap.

 
Rudy is also survived by two of his sisters, Tarcila Lopez (husband Domingo) and Aurea Rimando (husband Cesar) in the Philippines, and is preceded in death by his father Jorge Balagot Rimando, his mother Paulina Villanueva Rimando, brothers Ariston, Jose and Antonio Rimando, sister Clarita Rimando Realco and niece Catherine Rimando. 
 
He is also survived by the legacy he has left and the impact he has made on so many throughout his lifetime of service.
 
Rodrigo “Rudy” Rimando, Sr. will be honored at a funeral mass on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 11:00 am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island, WA. His Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Filipino American Community Hall nearby.