Robert Rudolph, age 88, of Ojai California, passed away peacefully at his home May 2, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children.
Robert was born in Rockford, Illinois and grew up in Rockford and Tucson, Arizona. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He was owner and president of Forest City Pattern Works and Target Pattern Corporation. He was a visionary inventor. He patented and manufactured his own successful inventions. Robert was also exceptionally skilled in the craft of woodworking.
Robert was raised around horses and loved them. In his retirement, he enjoyed riding and nurturing his beloved horse Nic. They were equine partners for 23 years. Robert and Nic are known by many in the horse community of Ventura and Ojai.
Robert was a good man of principle, honesty and kindness. He was dearly loved by his family and friends. He and his wife, Nancy, were forever sweethearts and best friends. They traveled all over this country enjoying national parks and the beauty of the outdoors. They trailered Nic to many horse competitions.
Robert is survived by his loving wife Nancy, son Robert, daughter Courtney Messina and grandsons Anthony, Anders, and Nicolas Messina. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Sybil and Harold Rudolph; his son Daniel; his stepmother Helen; and his brothers Richard Rudolph; Ronald, David and Gary Mackey.
‘Neath our eyes he faded slowly,
Growing day by day more frail,
Bearing sweetly all his suffering,
Without murmur, moan or wail.
A loving father, true and kind,
Faithful to the end of time.
For all of us he did his best,
May God grant him eternal rest,
For those who think of him today,
Are those who loved him best.
The family will hold a private memorial at a future time.