Condolences

I'm so sorry for your loss, Stephanie. I know how much he meant to you, and how much you loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Although I didn't get to know Rudy until his later years I was impressed by his history of athletic ability and potential, especially in baseball. Growing up on Nichols St in Utica Rudy played baseball with a childhood friend named Ted Lepcio who later played second base and the infield for the Boston Red Sox for nine years. Mr Lepcio was also hall of famer Ted Williams' roommate for road games. Mr Lepcio once said that Rudy was the best baseball prospect he had ever seen. High praise from a former major leaguer. It was also said at that time that scouts from major league teams had been sitting in the stands when they played locally. Like many young athletes of those times World War Two naturally interfered with all sports. In local leagues Rudy occasionally played with Utica's Dave Cash who went on to become an all star with the Philadelphia Phillies. In those days Mr Cash played in a negro league but would occasionally ask Rudy to fill in if they were shorthanded. Rudy obligingly did and probably helped to further integrate the game back then. Rudy also coached local baseball and softball teams and helped bring his expertise in the game to younger generations. I did have the pleasure of speaking to Mr Lepcio on the phone on the occasion of Rudy's 90 the birthday party and he confirmed his assessments of Rudy's talent and ability. Rudy and I would sometimes talk about the old Philadelphia Whiz Kids team that played the Yankees in the 1950 world series. He knew all the Phillies players and was knowledgeable about their performances and strategies. A gifted athlete and loving spouse and parent it was an honor and a pleasure to have known him.