Rodrigo “Rudy” V. Rimando Sr.

March 13, 1936 - February 25, 2022

Rodrigo “Rudy” V. Rimando, Sr. 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 in 1936 in La Union, Philippines, Rudy enlisted in the US Navy in Cavite, Philippines, then completed training at Basic Submarine Enlisted School in New London, Connecticut. He spent his entire military career as a Submariner, which took him all over the world, including stations in Canal Zone, Panama, Charleston, SC and finally to the Naval Submarine Base Bangor in Silverdale, WA from which he retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer. He was also inducted into the prestigious Holland Club, which is an exclusive group of sailors who are “Qualified in Submarines” for a minimum of 50 years.

Though retired, Rudy was active in many organizations. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus with 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 on Bainbridge Island. He was a professional caterer for awhile, and would prepare 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, spending 4th of July riding the SubVets float in the local Grand Ol’ Fourth parade.

Rudy also served for 20 years as the president of the Filipino American Community of Bainbridge Island and Vicinity and led a successful campaign in the 1990s that designated the Filipino Community Hall on the island as the first Filipino cultural site recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. He was active in FilAms throughout Kitsap Co. and the Pacific Northwest.

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 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. And he was lovingly called Grandpa or 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, his mother Paulina, brothers Ariston, Jose and Antonio, sister Clarita Realco and niece Catherine.

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 (1310 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island). His Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Filipino American Community Hall nearby. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Rudy’s name to the Filipino American Community of Bainbridge Island and Vicinity, a 501(3)c nonprofit through this link: https://gofund.me/598e71c4.