Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Rudy was my father in law, but first and foremost, Rudy was my friend. My years spent living on Long Island, living nearby and sharing a great deal of time with Rudy, were some of the happiest times of our lives. Rudy was such a character and a pleasure to be around. It warmed my heart to make Rudy laugh, though that was an easy task, as Rudy was always quick to see the humor in anything. I'm more referring to when Rudy was laughing so hard, his mouth would be wide open and his laugh would be silent, and tears would stream down his cheeks. We would share meals, watch movies, listen to music, have cocktails, and just hang out together, like true friends do. That is how I picture Rudy when I think of him. Rudy's illness would deprive him and us of these types of special moments, but it would never alter our precious memories.
Although the last year has been heartbreaking due to visitation restrictions, we can find solace in the fact that Rudy is no longer a shell of his former self, and his suffering on this earth is over. All of his faculties have been fully restored for his current journey to eternal peace. He's talking again, laughing again, and eating enough for 3 men again (We would always suggest Rudy had a hollow leg. And when finished eating an enormous amount of food, Rudy would lick his finger and dab at the crumbs on his plate, I swear you could return his dish back to the cabinet, that man left nothing behind.)!
Rudy had a good heart, his respect and love of animals and nature are traits he proudly instilled in his children. His love of motorcycles inspired my wife and I to become riders. Simply put, Rudy was a very good man and a treasured friend, and I will miss him dearly. God Bless!
