"I have always wondered how Rudy was after Georgetown Un. I tried several times to find him on-line and today I found this very sad news. He was such a happy and lovely human being. I can't believe he is not here anymore. That I was never able to ask him how he was. He was a dear friend. He loved deeply his mom whom I had met in 1980. My goodness how time flies too fast. What a special person he was. May he rest in peace. "
In loving memory of
Rodolfo Careaga
June 17, 1960 - February 2, 2017
Rodolfo "Rudy" Careaga, age 56, went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2017. Rudy was born in Havana, Cuba on June 17th, 1960, son of Rodolfo Valentino Careaga and Elia Gutierrez-Martinez.
Rudy left Cuba as an infant in 1961 with his mother and two siblings, leaving behind his beloved grandmother Agustina Martinez who called him her little "chubby roster" with such love. The family migrated from Miami, Florida to St. Louis, Missouri, then eventually in 1963, made their home in New Orleans, Louisiana where Rudy grew up and attended school. Extremely intelligent, Rudy attended a school for gifted and talented, Benjamin Franklin High School. He discovered his love for languages at an early age, by the age of sixteen he wrote a complete essay in French for a Bastille Day competition that was held statewide, and won first place which entitled him to spend a year in Belgium as an exchange student. He spoke, read and wrote fluidly in three languages; Spanish, Portuguese, French, and also spoke and understood Russian, Arabic, and Finish. He loved traveling and lived in Helsinki, Finland were he combined his skills for education and languages, and taught English as a second language at the University of Helsinki.
Rudy graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Linguistics in 1986. Doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in Curriculum and Instruction.
His professional life was dedicated to education, bettering the education system for teachers and students. He worked with the National Education Association (NEA) in Washington, DC for 10 years, until 2015 when the program ended. He authored the PEN Annual Member Survey 2004 Report; Teacher Enhancement in Elementary Mathematics, Beyond Inquiry-Based Mathematics Instruction (Final Report in the National Science Foundation and to the Public) Cleveland Education Board Fund, 1999; Co-authored A Public Ownership of Public Schools: A Map of Current Trends in Public Engagement in Public Education, Reform. PEN Washington, DC 2004.
He was a member of various boards and committee of education; The American Association of School Libraries, Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Actions, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the New Education Partnership, Alliance of Public School Foundations, Inc., Calvary Bilingual Multicultural Learning Center. Rudy was an ordained minister of the Arlington Metaphysical Church, he helped many with kindness and respect.
His love for his mother, who had dementia, and his care of her until his passing was the most selfless act that a human being could do. He cared for her with patience, compassion, tenderness, even when it was most difficult for him, he persevered. He studied whatever materials were available regarding dementia, looked for answers to why this was happening not only to his beloved mother but to many others. He was her sole caregiver and it took a toll on his wellbeing.
Rudy is survived by both parents, sisters and a brother; Maria Stephens, Cristina (John) Caputo, Rafael Careaga, Jennifer (Alan) Ridgon, Ana (Danny) Garcia, and 9 nieces and 1 nephew.
Service will be held on Saturday, June 17th, 2017 at the Resurrection Cemetery Chapel, 2705 Regent St, Madison, WI 53705, at 11:30 am in Madison, Wisconsin.
We ask respectfully that in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation
http://www.alzfdn.org/Donation-Page/donate-to-find-a-cure-for-alzheimers-disease.html
His faith kept him humble, his love kept him strong, and now God will keep him forever in eternity.
We will all miss you Rudy, until we meet again.
Tributes
"Why did I google Rudy today? Perhaps because I received an email from the NEA Foundation and wondered what he was up to? Very sad to learn this news, and that I missed the funeral last June ... and that I had not stayed in better touch with him. We were grad students and worked at UW-Madison together, and Rudy helped me to really cook latino americano. Fond memories of research trips (and his fear of turbulent flying), a dinner in Georgetown, and cooking in my house (with a few cold smokes in the carport). An incredible kind heart who was immensely dedicated to educational equity. I'm not sure if this is going to read, but I am thinking of you and your family today, Rudy."
"Rudy was truly a gift from God for those of us whose life he touched in so many ways. He served not only as Pastor of the Arlington Metaphysical Chapel, but also was an active part of our national association, The United Metaphysical Churches in Roanoke, Va. As we lay aside the thought of our personal loss we are aware of his great gain. We know that he will continue his mission in a higher sphere. We will miss your physical presence, our beloved Rudy, but know that your spirit will continue to guide and love those you love. F. Reed Brown, President, United Metaphysical Churches "
"Rudy was my spiritual brother. He was one of the only people I have ever known that truly practiced what he preached. A very good soul to be sure. Always concerned about the welfare of others. I have a number of things in my home he gave me that remind me of him daily. I'm glad he was, and still is, a part of my life. Until we meet again my brother......Mike Perry"
"Happy birthday beloved Rudy. I miss you. Here are some remembrances for those of us left behind which prayerfully endorse the lovely obituary and remarks. Rudy's life was a recipe of spice flavor love and laughter. His cooking style born out of love of family and seasoned from childhood teachings from New Orleans family restauranteurs. He often supplied the ingredients for many wonderful meals with friends and I was one such recipient whether it was a secret sauce to make fabulous Pad Thai or the addition of mango, two squirts of fresh lemon juice and/or cilantro to bring up any dish. Kindly, he'd set aside a piece of fish for the cat! His love of the Lord flowed to others consistently. He taught scripture and commented on the wisdom of some TV preachers (Dr. Jeremiah among his notable list). He was a sponge for faith and tireless good works. For over 15 years we were buddies be it as neighbors, business lunch timers, pew sitters, dinner co-conspirators and shoppers! He visited many folks when they were ill and was quick to lend a hand to anyone in need. Would you believe for weeks he patiently came over to my house to look at paint colors for one wall and there were 32 of them!! As a tall strong man, he was often asked to pitch in wherever he went and he would. His homes were calm and simply decorated because frankly he gave away his greatest yard sale and antiquing finds. Among my personal favorites remain an antique cross and scores of angels he knew I favored. He exercised his mind and heart by studying and loving fiercely. I loved him that way too. In addition to his regular diet of tasty food, faith-filled reading, learning (which he shared consistently) and action (be it work, home, or church) his linguistic capacities were legendary. I will forever carry in my heart his sermon about our need for "fertile solitude" -- to pause often to hear the still small voice and commune with the divine. He passed along many a book, including to me. This morning, oh beloved, dear friend, I was called to your choice, The Power of Solitude by Annemarie S Kidder (Discovering Your True Self In a World of Nonsense and Noise) by Crossroad Publications. Upon opening the book, my eyes fell on this passage where I shall end today's earthly report. "Yet truly seeing is not for the faint of heart, as the life of Jesus also teaches us. In his desert solitude, before beginning his ministry, Jesus struggled with the deeply alluring temptations to power, popularity, and relevance. In the lonely, aching solitude of Gethsemane, he surrendered to the ultimate call and claim of God upon his life. And in the final agonizing solitude of the cross, feeling abandoned even by God, he managed to commend his spirit to the holy one." Chapter 1, page 3. So he must've been called home to nurture himself, to rest beside still waters and become his own dear Lord's scribe. As he is laid to rest today, may his death be not a foil to rejoicing. Rest peacefully dear one. Till we meet again. Tracy Bridgham, Washington DC/Florida, 202-669-2437. I would love to hear from you. "
"Rudy walked a path of service and peace. He was humble and uplifted anyone's spirit that he encountered. My prayers continue to ask the ministering Angels to keep watch over everyone that knew him. I chose a candle. We lit one every Christmas Eve. It was a privilege to spend time with him......... "
"Rudy was one of the kindest, and gentlest souls I have ever known. I was honored to have known him for even just a brief time. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with all who mourn his loss."