Rodolfo B. Fernandez ’70

Rudy, who never wavered from his childhood dream of becoming an engineer, died at his Florida home March 16, 2023.

Emigrating from Cuba after the 1959 revolution, he had immense pride in his American citizenship. After graduating from Brandeis High School in New York, he came to Princeton and majored in civil and geological engineering, and served as president of Campus Club. Rudy’s affection for Princeton traveled with him through life, and for many years he interviewed applicants on behalf of the Alumni Schools Committee.

At Jacobs Engineering, Rudy specialized in water infiltration/inflow and was valued as a talented mentor and professional engineer, as he was to those among his many professional affiliations. To round out his zest for life, he enjoyed beekeeping, karate, kayaking, “O gauge” model trains, bridge, poker, his fountain pen/ink collection, and rooting for the Miami Marlins.

Rudy is survived by his wife of 44 years, Donna; and their son David. With them we celebrate his life, his inquisitive mind, and the impact he had on so many around him. He loved and enjoyed everything and everyone in his life, and we will all miss him greatly.