Rudolph "Rudy" Lauriano Valenzuela Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

1965-2021 Rudolph “Rudy” Lauriano Valenzuela, an educator and resident of Los Lunas, NM, passed away on the early morning of February 25, 2021 at the age of 55. Rudy, a 1983 graduate of Los Lunas High School, was very ambitious both academically and athletically. He was a multi-sport NM All-State selection in Football, Wrestling and Track & Field. After receiving many scholarships from around the country, he decided to take his football talents to southern California where he attended Imperial Valley College. Rudy was a phenomenal player and teammate, with a work ethic that would quickly separate himself from everyone else. Upon graduating with honors and receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in education, Rudy continued his academic and athletic career by attending New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM. He lettered both years as a standout player and again, received a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in history while minoring in athletics. Post Highlands University, Valenzuela demonstrated his admirable devotion to assisting troubled youth by becoming a staff member of Vision Quest Wagon Train Program located in Elfida, AZ. This program gathered troubled youth from the inner-cities of California such as Stockton, Compton, Oakland and San Diego. The majority of the youth were former gang members facing juvenile hall. Following his tenure with Vision Quest, he would go on to attend the University of Texas, San Antonio where he studied and worked under Texas State Representative, Anadelia Romo, as a Grant Writer. His main objective was to research and write proposals and reports with the help of a grant coordinator for the Texas legislature. Following San Antonio, Valenzuela continued his academics at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Education in Norman, OK. Valenzuela would go on to receive a master's degree in special education while obtaining a minor’s degree in physical education. Over the next 10 years, Rudy would go on to teach and coach athletics in multiple school districts all over New Mexico which included Cuba, Espanola, Los Lunas, and Belen. Throughout his life he helped hundreds of kids in many ways whether it was coaching, teaching or just being a great mentor. During the latter stages of his life, he was a member of the USATF Masters club where he achieved national and international ranking in the sport of track & field. Anybody that encountered Rudy, knew he devoted his life to physical fitness and community service; primarily troubled youth. Rudy was highly decorated in both athletics and education. This was all capable due to his tenacious demeanor and championship attitude which helped inspire many. Rudy Valenzuela is a fiber woven into the Los Lunas community and his legacy will live on forever. Rudy is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Evaristo and Sophia Gonzales; paternal grandparents, Senobio and Susie Valenzuela. He is survived by his son, Aaron Valenzuela and girlfriend, Danielle; longtime friend, Rebecca Romero; loving parents, David and Alice Valenzuela; sister, Delilah and husband Dave Sanchez, nephew Jordan and wife Kystal; nieces Gabby, Mykayla and Marisa; nephew, David; great nieces Amaya and Lilliana; and great newphew Zayden. Services will take place on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas, beginning with Rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM, Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM, and Interment to follow at Los Lentes Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Lawrence Valenzuela, Dean Vigil, Ron Hubble, Jordan Moody, Aaron Valenzuela, Joseph Barta, Jason Gonzales and Dave Sanchez. Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Valenzuela, Anthony Garley, James Shoun, Forrest McNabb, Tim Shaun, Aristeo Valenzuela and Peter Valenzuela. Please sign Rudy’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM

Rudolph "Rudy" Lauriano Valenzuela

July 30, 1965 - February 25, 2021