HENDERSONVILLE — Deacon Rudolph “Rudy” Joseph Triana passed away Jan. 23, 2021, at his home. He was 84.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, at St. Barnabas Church in Arden.
He was born Sept. 11, 1936, in Miami, Fla., to the late Carlos M. Triana and Celia Ruiz Triana. He was married for 57 years to his “best friend” and love of his life, Mary Bornoty Triana, who passed away in May 2018. He was grateful for his wonderful life, family and church.
In 1976, Deacon Triana and his wife Mary moved from Miami to Maggie Valley to raise their three sons in a slower-paced, family-friendly environment. There Deacon Triana began a career in real estate and construction, and he served many years as a high school football referee.
Deacon Triana always wanted to serve God. He started as an altar server in the third grade and, after moving to Maggie Valley, he served at Holy Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland Church assisting Father Michael Murphy. In January 1980, when Bishop Michael J. Begley announced the formation of a permanent diaconate program, Father Murphy went to him – the humble altar server – and told him he should apply.
Three years later, on May 29, 1983, Deacon Triana was one of 19 men ordained in the first class of permanent deacons for the Diocese of Charlotte.
He began his diaconate ministry at his home parish in Maggie Valley, where he served for 13 years. Later he served at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Candler and for a short time at Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville.
In 2009 he began serving at St. Barnabas Parish. Deacon Triana served his community and parish by performing baptisms, witnessing weddings, visiting the sick and elderly and working closely with the Spanish community.
His wife Mary was an important part of his life and his ministry. He once said, “There is no better life for me than to be a deacon. My wife Mary supports me in everything, even coming to three Masses on Sunday if I am serving three Masses. We are always together in ministry.”
Deacon Triana will be greatly missed at St. Barnabas and within the Church of Western North Carolina that he so greatly loved.
He is survived by his children: Dr. Rudy J. Triana Jr. (Victoria), Michael J. Triana (Shawna), and Andrew J. Triana (Alisha); grandchildren: Enrique, Antonio and Anabella; his brothers, Henry Triana (Juanita) and Gilbert Triana (Sylvia) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Flowers and memorials may be sent to St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden, NC 28704.
Groce Funeral Home of Asheville was in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald