Diane Cowen
Lisa Dvorsky
On May 21, 2023 Rudy (Rudolph) Francis passed away at the age of 24. Rudy was born on November 9, 1998 in Berkeley, California to parents Joshua Francis and Lisa Dvorsky. The family moved to Santa Cruz before Rudy turned 2 years old and remain in town with his three siblings.
Rudy did well in elementary, middle, and high school, graduating from Soquel High in 2017 and going on to take classes at Cabrillo College.
Rudy was an intelligent and precocious child, full of love for his family and friends. He loved playing pool from a very young age, calling it “pool ball” he would ask strangers for quarters so he could continue to play. He loved music and art, leaving behind an inspiring collection of drawings and ceramics. He cared deeply about current events, politics, the environment, and fairness. He went through life with an open heart and a strong mind and will.
Rudy’s immense ability to love and accept drew so many people to him from all walks of life. Very rarely did he make acquaintances, as more often than not he quickly developed deep meaningful connections with people. He was the kind of person others would describe as someone you could talk to about anything, including personal struggles. He was effortlessly able make a person feel safe and cared about. His sense of humor was unique and addictive, making people want to be around him constantly. He would take people in who needed shelter, warmth, food and love regularly without hesitation. Many times he would hide friends who were down on their luck in his bedroom so his family members wouldn’t interfere. In the end it was almost impossible to tell him he couldn’t, which made the household gregarious and full of life for many years.
Rudy had the same magnetic relationship with animals from the time he was born. If you had the opportunity to witness him hanging with his beloved dog, Atlas, or any other creature, it was a truly a beautiful moment to behold. His family often referred to him as “Dr. Doolittle” from a very young age.
Rudy is preceded in death by his grandmother Betsy. He is survived by his parents, Lisa and Josh, his loving brothers Niko and Cian, his sister Lucy, his grandparents Jon and Sally, his aunts and uncles Rachel and Josh, Zak and LeAndra, Shoshana and Tim, Cindy, and Diane and Cody, as well as cousins Sahara, Dakotah and Elijah, Ian and Danny, Maggie and Quinn, and devoted friends Ellis, Riley, Max, Loraine, and countless more who were like family in Rudy’s heart.
Rudy will always be in our hearts as we have always been in his.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date and time to be determined by the family.
