Rodolfo Martin Casals – Obituary

Rudy was born November 3, 1941 in Cienfuegos, Cuba to the late Rodolfo Ernesto Casals and Socorro Fernandez Munoz. He fled Cuba as a political refugee, traveling to Mexico and crossing the border into Texas. He headed to New York where he owned and operated a grocery store in Tarrytown. In 1985, he began working at General Motors. His career with General Motors brought him to Columbia, Tennessee where he worked on the assembly line and later as a tool & die technician. He remained proud of building American cars for 23 years.

Rudy loved spending time with his family especially his granddaughters, and was always proud of his children’s accomplishments. Reunions with family and friends were always the highlight of his life. An avid hunter, he was proficient with crossbow, muzzle loader and rifle. Pig roasting and venison cooking were accompanied by his stories of Cuba and his hunting adventures.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday October 26, 2016 at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Catherine Catholic Church with Father John McGarry, SJ and Deacon Rodolfo Casals, SJ officiating. Burial will follow at Vista Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home in Miami Lakes, Florida at 1:00 pm on Friday October 28th.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.

Rudy is survived by his loving wife Lourdes Casals of Columbia, TN; his son: Rodolfo Casals, SJ of Berkley, CA, his daughter: Annette (Ben) Lettiere, his granddaughters: Sophia L. and Julia E. Lettiere.

Williams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. You may send the family your condolences at www.williamsfh.com.