Joseph Rudy Obituary
On August 31, 2026, Joey passed away at his home from complications of diabetes. Joey was born on February 10, 1978, in Lewiston, New York, to Lynne Hickey. Rudolf "Rudy" Hernandez raised Joey and has always been his true Pops.
After graduating from Miami High School, he went on to pursue trades in welding and construction.
Joey was amazing with a bow! He took home many awards and trophies, and his proudest achievement was bagging his trophy Coues deer. Hunting and fishing became his favorite hobbies early on. You could find him by the lake with his pole and tackle or in the hills dressed in camo, hiking, scouting, and collecting rocks. When he wasn't hunting or fishing, you'd find him working on his truck, 4-wheelers, and motorcycles—actually, anything with wheels!
Joey had a kind heart, and if he could help you, he would. From early on, he had a deep love for animals—ALL animals, including the snakes he would bring home to scare Mom. He could fix anything he touched and loved to ride motorcycles and four-wheelers from the time the training wheels came off. HE WAS FEARLESS! He loved his family, cherished all the time he was able to spend with his nieces and nephews, was a great storyteller, and could make anybody laugh.
Joey is survived by his mother, Lynne; "Pops," Rudy; brother, Shane (Stacy) Benton; sister, Kelly (Shane) Smith; and Ceasar, the psycho cat. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, Aunt Michele, and many cousins from the U.S. to Canada.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bernard and Ruth; Aunt Cathy; Aunt Nay; Uncle Mark; Aunt Pat; and cousins, John and Kaden. We know he was also greeted by his beloved black lab, Dan The Man.
A memorial to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Upton's Event Center, located at 247 S. Broad St., Globe, Arizona. Randy Bradford will officiate, and refreshments and a slideshow will follow the services.
Joey will be missed tremendously by his family and friends. His contagious laugh will live on in our hearts, and his big, infectious smile will forever be etched in our minds.
