Rudolph "Rudy" DeVito
Obituary

Rudy DeVito, born to Dora and Michael DeVito on January 23, 1953 in Brooklyn, NY, passed away on February 18, 2026 (Ash Wednesday) at 2:50 PM PST in his home in Manhattan Beach, CA. He is survived by his wife, Linda DeVito, son, Michael DeVito, daughter-in-law, Natalie DeVito, grandson, Luca DeVito, and daughter, Krista DeVito. Rudy also had a brother, Roger DeVito, and a sister, JoAnn Petrullo. He courageously battled liver cancer for 19 months, ultimately succumbing to the illness while resting comfortably in his home with his loved ones beside him.

He worked with distinction as a Benefits Analyst for his entire professional career, spending time on both coasts at Buck Consultants in New York, Western Growers Association in Orange County, CA, and most recently, Northrop Grumman Corporation in Redondo Beach, CA. His mental fortitude, tenacity, attention to detail, and willingness to give of his time to those with whom he worked afforded him the opportunity to make lifelong friends throughout his journey. His commitment to being the consummate professional inspired those around him, and drew the attention and respect of his superiors.

Rudy’s calming, charming, and welcoming presence drew many people to his side over the years. His playful sarcasm brought along a few jokesters as well. Nothing brought him more joy than watching his children grow up before his very eyes. He looked on with pride as they flourished in youth sports, excelled in school, and leaped into adulthood. He attended all of his children's youth sports games, cheered his kids on through music recitals, and offered constant assistance over countless hours to churn out school projects so that his children could benefit from every opportunity that a good education affords in life.

He will be remembered for his love of his family and friends, the New York Yankees and the Beatles, and the Star Wars and Godfather franchises. One of his fondest memories combines two of these foundations. In the fall of 2024, Rudy was finally able to attend a World Series game where he watched his favorite sports team (the New York Yankees) compete against the dreaded, rival Los Angeles Dodgers. He attended Game 1 of the Fall Classic with his son, Michael, and despite his team losing the contest, this experience fulfilled a lifelong dream of Rudy's (and Michael's!).

Sports aside, at his core, Rudy was a fiercely loving and loyal family man, exemplified no more clearly than by his love of lazily cooking chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, ham, and bacon for his family (including the grand-dogs, Yankee and Teddy) on Sunday mornings. He passed on this tradition to his son. His true calling in his later years was spending time with his grandson, Luca DeVito. Rudy loved his grandson unconditionally. He would share his favorite music with him, dance with him, play with him in his crib, bathe him in his kitchen sink, and, to this day, is the only person on whom Luca fell asleep for nap time. Their bond is truly special and transcends the mortal plane of existence. Rudy’s memory lives on in his wife, his children, and his grandson.