Arthur “Art” De Rueda
Art De Rueda of Santa Barbara passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 20, 2024. He was the son of Guadalupe and Yldefonso De Rueda, born on March 22, 1958, in Santa Barbara.
Art was a second-generation native of Santa Barbara and lived his entire life there. He graduated from Dolores Elementary School and Bishop Garcia Diego High School.
Art could have walked a block in any direction in Santa Barbara and seen someone he knew.
During his youth, he was an altar server for Our Lady of Sorrows Church. He lettered in both football and golf at Bishop. Until his passing, he also worked the chain gang for the Bishop Cardinals home football games.
Art played in various city-sponsored leagues for softball, bowling and golf. For over 35 years he was a loyal booster of UCSB men’s basketball and volunteered to help build their weight room.
While Ben Howland was the basketball coach at UCLA, Art was the official pitmaster for the team’s annual summer barbecue.
Art worked for over 40 years as a plumber, and was a Southern California Pipe Trades Union member. He was planning to retire next summer from the city of Santa Barbara after 25 years of employment.
Art owned a back-flow device testing service, and he also helped build the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Hotel. He donated many hours to assist the Westside Boys & Girls Club with their plumbing repair needs.
Art was preceded in death by his loving parents Lupe and Poncho, and brother Edward.
Art is survived by his sisters Mary (Stanley) Pottkotter of Carpinteria, and Helen (Robert) Mortensen of Altadena; brothers Louis (Cindie) De Rueda of Camarillo, and Patrick (Katerina) De Rueda of Scottsdale, Arizona; godson/nephew Alan (Rocío) Pottkotter; and godfather Jose Hernandez. He also leaves behind numerous other nieces and nephews.
A mass in remembrance of Art’s life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at Saint Raphael Catholic Church, 5444 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara.
A celebration of his legacy of commitment to community involvement, friendships, and work-ethic will follow at a location to be announced at the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established a fund at UC Santa Barbara in memory of Art and his dedication to the men’s basketball program. Donations to the memorial fund honor his passion for the Gauchos, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire and support athletes for years to come.
Thank you for being part of Art’s life and for keeping his spirit alive through this lasting tribute. To contribute to the fund please visit gauchoboost.ucsb.edu/artderueda