Rudolph James DiOrio

Rudolph “Rudy” James DiOrio, Jr., 76, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rudy eventually made his home in the Kansas City area, with a brief stint in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, where he built his career, raised his family, and pursued a wide range of personal interests.

He attended Indian Woods Middle School and Shawnee Mission South High School before graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Journalism. He remained a proud Jayhawk throughout his life, enjoying three national championships won by the men's basketball team he enjoyed as an alum.

As a skilled illustrator and artist, Rudy worked as an account executive and client service representative across several industries, including insurance, printing, production, and healthcare, throughout the Kansas City and Dallas, Texas, areas.

Rudy was also a gifted guitar player with a lifelong love of music. He enjoyed playing along with his favorite records, performing with church choirs, and participating in music nights at local hotels. His musical tastes spanned classic rock and folk, with Neil Diamond, The Beatles, The Moody Blues, The Who, Eric Clapton, and James Taylor among his favorites.

Rudy had a creative and playful sense of humor. Through one of his church softball teams, he helped create and produce humorous skits reminiscent of Saturday Night Live, with the team's annual video often a highlight of its year-end celebration. He also served as an usher and lector at various parishes in Kansas and Texas over the years.

His interests extended beyond music and art. Growing up, he enjoyed comic books and superheroes, particularly Superman, Batman, and Zorro. So much so, he even carved the letter "Z' on his childhood bedroom closet door as if the masked hero had left it there himself.

He was a passionate sports fan who remained loyal to his Philadelphia roots, cheering for the Eagles and Phillies, while also following his Kansas City hometown teams, the Chiefs and Royals.

Rudy also enjoyed watching his children play their various sports as they grew up, from soccer fields to baseball diamonds to basketball courts, in addition to watching sports with them on TV.

Rudy is survived by his children, Andrew "Andy" DiOrio and his wife, Danelle, and Emily Kelly and her husband, Brian, and four grandchildren. The family also expresses appreciation for Beth and the staff at Jemi Home Care in Olathe, Kan., who assisted with Rudy's care over the past year.

In accordance with his wishes, a private family graveside service was held.