Rodolfo Vasquez Obituary

Vazquez, Rodolfo Antonio Mercado "Tony" March 14, 1921-February 7, 2015 Vasquez, Maria Pilar Ramirez October 12, 1920-May 25, 2015 As in life, Tony and Maria, would not be separated by death. Tony passed away from heart failure at the age of 93, in Olathe, Kansas, with his daughter and wife by his side. A little over 3 months later, Maria, 94 years old, suffered a heart attack. On May 25th, his wife of 58 years, joined her beloved in eternal rest surrounded by family. Until the end, Maria had been in remarkably good health. The couple promised each other that the one would follow the other to heaven's gate in short order, and they did. Tony was born in Mexico City, the son of Antonio Vasquez and Angela Mercado. He is predeceased by four siblings. Tony came to the U.S. as part of the railroad bracero program that filled the labor gap for railroad track maintenance during World War II. He remained a train model enthusiast and collector throughout his life. Tony settled in Chicago, a city he loved and called home for nearly 60 years. He earned the title of "maestro"teacher, by his colleagues for expertise as a crane operator for Ryerson Steel where he worked for 30+ years until retiring at the age of 65. Tony was a fearless man of determination and will with an indelible work ethic. He once had a cataract removed and had to be sent home when he showed up ready to operate his crane with a patch on his eye. Tony was instrumental in helping newly arrived immigrants settle in to their new country. Tony worked hard and played hard. He loved big band and jazz and was a star dancer. He liked cars and motorcycles and the word "idle" was not in his vocabulary. He loved creatures of all sorts and would often bring a variety of animal's home (to Maria's dismay). Maria was the second of ten children born to Antonio Ramirez and Josefa Ruvalcaba in Yahualica, Jalisco. She is survived by 4 sisters. Maria was a social worker in Mexico. She had a heart for the marginalized, and would lovingly care for other children. She is remembered for her sense of humor, her wisdom and sage advice, her love of gardening, and adoration of birds. She embraced the challenges of puzzles and would win nearly every family card game. At 93, she began using a tablet and posting on facebook! She was a loving mother, loyal wife, and raised a family that made her proud. Her last days were marked by her bravery and strength. Tony met Maria in Guadalajara, Jalisco; they wed on July 21, 1956. Four children were born into their marriage, Guadalupe Vasquez Jimenez (Eduardo), Rodolfo Antonio Vasquez (Lynn), Socorro Williamson (Jeff), and Patricia Vasquez. The couple had 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Antonio had two sons, the late Angelo Vasquez (1999), and Antonio Vasquez. This world was made a better place because of these two incredible people whose legacy of love, laughter, work ethic, and passion for helping others in need, will live on for generations. They were model parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, brother and sister. They will be missed. A memorial service will be held in Chicago. The couple will be interred at Resurrection Cemetery in 7201 Archer Rd, Justice, IL 60458. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Maria Vasquez, can be made to Glaucoma Research Foundation, 251 Post Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94108, 415-986-3162 or 800-826-6693. To leave the family a message, please visit www.PenwellGabelOlathe.com.