Stephen Douglas Rudy

August 23, 1950 - June 15, 2025

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Sunset View Cemetery Association

101 Colusa Ave.

El Cerrito, CA 94530

(510) 525-5111 |

Monday 6/23, 10:00 am

Stephen owned and operated Rare Earth Landscape for 40 years, employing and mentoring many young men—several of whom went on to start their own businesses after his retirement. He was featured in Sunset Magazine for his unique landscape designs and appeared on the TV show In Wine Country for the wine cave he built in his backyard.

A lifelong athlete, Stephen played baseball in his youth, softball as a young adult, and completed two triathlons in his 50s. He was also an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Berkeley Country Club. He loved to travel, cook, enjoy good wine, and host friends and family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary Rudy; daughters Angela Martinucci (Steven) and Hillary Rudy; and grandchildren Enzo and Gabriella Martinucci, and Donovan Rudy-Watson-Martin. He is also survived by his brothers, Mike Rudy and Peter Rudy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oreon and Charles Rudy.

A graveside service will be held on June 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset View Cemetery in El Cerrito, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Galileo Club in Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Melanoma Research Alliance at https://www.curemelanoma.org

Sunset View Cemetery Association

101 Colusa Ave.

El Cerrito, CA 94530

(510) 525-5111 | Map

Monday 6/23, 10:00 am

Stephen Douglas Rudy was born and raised in El Cerrito, California, where he lived in his family home for nearly his entire life. He graduated from El Cerrito High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. Stephen owned and operated Rare Earth Landscape for 40 years, employing and mentoring many young men—several ofContinue Reading

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God Bless You Steve , You fought a good fight , you finished the race , and kept the faith , RIP !

We are so sorry for your loss. May your special memories bring you and your family comfort and peace.

Sent with love and remembrance. Mr. Rudy was a wonderful family man and always welcoming. He will be missed.

We were so sorry to hear of Steves passing. Our hearts go out to his entire family.

Steve was a beloved friend, teammate and all-around good person. Even-keeled, quick with a smile, laugh and always a pleasure to be with. He is missed

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

The Rudys have been a foundation in our sense of family. We are devastated by the news of Steves passing, and are in sincere mourning for your loss.

Thinking of you

Im so sorry for your loss. Your dad was one of a kind with that iconic Magnum P.I. mustache and effortless cool, he always made me smile.

Rudy roots run deep. May Steves memories bring growth and new life to others in his honor. We love you, all and send our deepest condolences.

Remembering you and Steve in our minds and in our hearts.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Stephen Rudy . Plant a Tree

Peter, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, I too lost a brother to cancer in the last 10 years. I had to send you a note because of two things that are uncannily similar. Your brother and I share the same birthday, one of about 15 people that I know of. The other is that I'm a melanoma survivor for 5 years. Mine was extremely rare and internal but by the grace of God and immunotherapy I survived. Again my condolences.

Mary, Angela, Hillary, Steven, Enzo, Donovan & Gabriella- Papa will always a hold a special place in our hearts. We love you all.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Stephen Rudy . Plant a Tree

Dearest Rudy family, we will be thinking of you all as you say your fairwell to Steve and celebrate his life well lived. He will be missed by so many, but never forgotten and will be in our hearts forever. Much love and hugs from your NZ family.

A Wonderful Husband,Father and Grandfather. Loving Man that touched many lives in a kind and gentle manner. If any one was lucky enough to spend an amount of time with him they would soon realize what a kind and gentle spirit he possessed. His loving spirit and soul will be greatly missed 🩷

Steve brought so much to so many of our lives. We are thinking of you and sending our deepest condolences. With love from Lara and Leland

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Stephen Rudy . Plant a Tree

On the grave memorial of Steves passing, we wish to send our love and support.

Anniversary Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Stephen Rudy by Francine and Erica. Send Flowers

On my many trips to visit Mary and Steve I was always welcomed with a huge smile and warm hug. That's what I'll always remember and miss when I think of Steve. He also gave Mary and I a hard time knowing we'd be gone for most of the day on our "retail therapy" excursions. My heart is truly broken knowing we all lost one truly amazing man.

Nothing says Stephen Douglas Rudy like a beautiful tree.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Stephen Rudy . Plant a Tree

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I will never forget being startled from his sneezes while playing at the end of the block. Steve was a talented gentle soul with a fighting spirit and the Pearse family’s heart continues to go out to the Rudy’s.

With loving memories of "Stephen Douglas Rudy", Love The Ford Family

White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Stephen Rudy by Anonymous. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Stephen Rudy

For being locals—our friendship really only started in our later years, and I am sorry about that. You have so many local friends and family that hold you in high regard. I will miss the times that might have been. But your quiet integrity will remain as an inspiration with those that knew you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Stephen Rudy . Plant a Tree

That smile that spoke so many words. Wrapping so much love around you Rudy’s❤️Memory Eternal and EVERLASTING 💫

A good man - gone too soon. I’m just sorry! Hadley and I consider your family an important part of our life and history. My thoughts include memories of so much caring from each of you.

I have enjoyed knowing him these few years and will miss him.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Stephen Rudy . Plant a Tree

Steve helped beautify our backyard with his talents. He leaves a legacy of love,and humor. Our deepest condolences to the family.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Stephen Rudy . Plant a Tree

Dear Rudy Family, Our hearts are heavy with the news of Steve’s death, and on Fathers Day to boot! Peter is so grateful to have been mentored by Steve. May he rest in peace.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.