In Memory of John J. Rudwall

Obituary

There are some people who leave behind more than memories, they leave behind traditions, laughter, love of country and countless little moments that will be forever treasured.

John J. Rudwall, a loving and devoted husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, brother and son passed away on October 4, 2026. He was born in Staten Island, New York on December 30, 1939. He was the son of Joseph and Mary (Gorski) Rudwall.

He attended St. Francis school in Utica. After school he started on his most proud endeavor and enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly defended his country in multiple conflicts including Vietnam.  John served 24 years in the Navy and was a proud Vietnam Veteran.  He was rarely seen not wearing some insignia representing the Navy. John retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer.  John’s career shifted to law enforcement following retirement. He worked for multiple law enforcement agencies in his career, with his longest tenure of 15 years with the New Hartford Police Department, where he was a police officer and 911 dispatcher. Once he finally retired, he started the most fun and enjoyable part-time job, working at Twin Ponds.  You could find him in the Pro Shop and when he was not working, you would find John and Mary Ann on the fairway.

John is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann, his children, Lauren Ryan-Rico (Billerica, MA), Michael and Tina Ryan, Melissa and Joseph Paul and Kristina and Andrew Kinne. He has many loving grandchildren: Arielle and Zachary Sieh (Alexandria Virginia), Adrianna Ryan, Morgan Rico (Billerica, MA), Mikayla Ryan, Nicholas Rico (Billerica, MA), Madison, Aaron and Holly Paul and Kaitlyn, Mya, Emma and Hannah Kinne. John is survived by his loving brother, Edward and Florence Rudwall.  John also had a special place in his heart for Morgan and Nicholas’s dad, Jimmy Rico and Arielle’s dad, Andrew Liptak. He had many great memories of his time spent in Billerica with his daughter’s family and extended family Jamie and Valerie Wendell and Elie and Denise Youssef. John was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Liptak and his brothers Willam Rudwall, Ronald Rudwall and Robert Rudwall.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews.

John’s love story with his wife, Mary Ann, was one for the books.  Their love story had twists and turns like all do.  The early chapters included many years running the family's apple orchard, Mac’s Orchard. They spent many wonderful winters at the Magic Tree in Kissimmee, where John would be found sitting by the pool with their wonderful friends. John and Mary Ann celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on April 4, 2026.  He was a loving and devoted husband and caregiver to his wife with Alzheimer's.

John aka “Jack” was loved by his family more than words can say.  He was the biggest supporter of his daughter and son as well as attending sporting events, dance recitals and other activities of his grandchildren. He was seen at soccer fields, bowling alleys and ice rinks. He instilled in all respect, love of country, hard work and joking and laughter. He shared his love of golf with his grandchildren. He loved watching the Army Navy game and was not shy of discussing politics.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Friedel Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd. New Hartford, NY. Calling hours will be from 2:00pm-4:00pm with service immediately following at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's association at www.alz.org.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Wynn Hospital for the exceptional care and treatment John received. Additionally, we are grateful to MVHS Rehab for their care of John during his last days and for their continuing care of his loving wife, Mary Ann. John’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.