Sep 24, 1940 – May 13, 2025
Dr. Rodolfo C. Soto, 84 yrs. old of Hillsborough, Ca, passed away on May 13, 2025. He was born in Pagsanjan, Philippines to Dr. Dionisio Soto, Sr. and Dr. Remedios Caballes.
“Rudy”, as he was fondly called, went to Francisco Balagtas Elementary School, Arellano High School, Colegio de San Juan de Letran and University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines where he completed the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. Upon his graduation, he pursued becoming a Heart Specialist in Bergen Pines Hospital in Paramus, New Jersey before becoming a formative leader of Philippine Cardiology as an early Philippine Heart Association President. He also became a Professor of Cardiology at the University of Santo Tomas College of Medicine.
Returning back to the United States in 1980, Rudy became a Major of the United States Air Force and established the Cardiology Department at Travis Air Force Base during which he received several commendations, including the Air Force Training Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Services Ribbon, Air Force Excellence Award and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
Always in pursuit of higher learning and excellence, Rudy moved to San Francisco, California where he practiced Cardiology for 30 years. He became an Attending Cardiologist of St. Francis Memorial Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center and California Pacific Medical Center. He was also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Cardiology at the University of California San Francisco. In addition to these roles, he also nurtured his private practice where locals and international patients alike sought his expertise, care and healing.
Rudy was a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, along with other prestigious honors statewide, nationwide and worldwide which include being a Certified Medical Expert for the Medical Board of California, Qualified Medical Examiner for the Workmens Compensation Board of the State of California, a Certified Medical Expert for the Social Security Administration and a Diplomate and Fellow of the Philippine College of Cardiology and the Philippine College of Physicians. Recently, he received an award for providing pioneer services in Cardiology at the Philippine Heart Center.
In addition to being a gifted speaker at medical conferences, Rudy was also an avid golf player, a frustrated orchestral conductor and a Star Trek enthusiast. He enjoyed traveling the world and joined several religious pilgrimages with “Puring”, his wife.
Rudy was predeceased by his older brother, Dr. Dionisio C. Soto, Jr. in 2022 and is survived by his loving family—wife Dr. Fortunata E. Soto, two children Atty. Dionisio T. Soto, Jr. and Vanessa Soto Chan, sisters Dr. Angelica C. Soto and Milagros S. Greene, including grandsons Paolo Soto and Rafael Soto and plenty of nieces and nephews and the Espiritu family.
A public viewing and Vigil Mass will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6pm to 9pm at Our Lady of Angels Church, Burlingame, California. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11am to 12pm. Interment will be in Manila, Philippines.
Below are upcoming events and services. All times are shown in PDT
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