Obituary of Eugene Paul Rzodkiewicz

Eugene 'Gene' Rzodkiewicz of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at home. He was 83. Son of the late John and Lilly Erickson Rzodkiewicz, he was born on August 26, 1930 in Ludlow, Pennsylvania. Gene married the love of his life, Grace, on April 18, 1959 in Allentown, PA. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Mr. Rzodkiewicz graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class in 1947. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Era. He was a 1957 graduate of Villanova University, with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, summa cum laude. He went on to work as an engineer for Philco, Inc., and then for International Business Machines in various locations, retiring as a Component Engineer in CCP from the Poughkeepsie offices. In his spare time he loved being with family and will remain a beloved patriarch. Gene enjoyed travel, sporting riflery, reading, and lively political debate. Gene had zeal for knowledge and for great conversation. An avid Ham Radio operator, Gene communicated with other operators worldwide and beyond, having had conversations with the International Space Station. Gene was a sixty-year member of the American Legion, Post 489, Ludlow, PA. Gene was member of the Mount Beacon Amateur Radio Club and the IBM Quarter Century Club. He enthusiastically sang in the choir at Mount Alvernia's chapel. He was also a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls, where he belonged to the Holy Name Society. Most recently, Gene was an active member of 'Man to Man,' a Prostate Cancer Information and Support Group. In addition to his wife, Grace, survivors include his children, Jane Toporoff and her husband, Bob of Littleton, MA, Robert Rzodkiewicz and his wife, Terri of Pleasant Valley, Annemarie Franklin and her husband, Tom of Ramsey, NJ, and Karen Lawrence and her husband, Craig of Rye Brook; brother, Jack Rzodkiewicz of Ludlow, PA; adoring grandchildren, Sarah, Hannah, Evan, Matthew, Sean, Graham and Cole; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Rzodkiewicz and his sister, Louise Rzodkiewicz. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, 11 Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls, with military honors. Private burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com. Signing off, W3RMB.