In Memory of Rudolph J. Wolkowicz

June 18, 1923 - October 12, 2018

Resided in Utica, NY



Obituary

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Utica – Rudolph Joseph Wolkowicz, 95, of Utica, passed away peacefully October 12, 2018, at St. Luke’s Home, surrounded by his family.

He was born June 18, 1923, in Utica, a son of Jacob and Catherine Wolkowicz. Rudolph attended Utica schools, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy prior to graduating. He served in the North Atlantic during the War. On October 13, 1946, he married the former Genevieve Wroblewski in Utica. Mrs. Wolkowicz passed away in 2007.

Mr. Wolkowicz was a member of St. Anthony’s Church.

He was childhood friends with future MLB player Ted Lepcid, and was scouted in high school by the Philadelphia Phillies. Due to the outbreak of WW2, Rudolph’s dream of playing professional baseball was not to be realized, as he felt an obligation to serve his country in another way. Lepcid had said that Rudy was the best prospect he had ever seen. For Rudolph’s 90th birthday, his family arranged a telephone call between he and Ted, and the two pals were once again able to relive old memories. In addition to baseball, Rudolph loved hockey, bowling, and vacationing in the Adirondacks with his family. Rudolph was the true patriarch of the family, and believed that one’s family was their most precious possession.

He is survived by two daughters, Diane Simonson and her partner, Ray Starman, and MaryAnn Kokoszki and her husband, Richard, Sr.; two grandchildren, Richard Kokoszki, Jr. and Michael Kokoszki; two great-grandchildren, Stephanie Howland and her husband, Ben, and Kathleen Kokoszki; great-great-granddaughters Taylor and Emmalyn Howland; a sister, Laura MacDermott, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Genny, his wife of 62 years, he was predeceased by brothers Stanley, Matthew, and Bruce, and a sister, Lucy Ryznar.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. from St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Avenue, Utica. Interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Cemetery, Whitesboro. Visitation will be Monday from 4-6 p.m. at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral & Cremation Services, 1123 Court Street, Utica. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider a donation in memory of Rudy and Genny to Alzheimer’s Association CNY Chapter, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.fwefh.com.