NEW PALTZ – Donald Francis Rudnitski entered into rest peacefully on April 8, 2011 at home with his family by his side in New Paltz.
Donald was born in Gilbertsville on Sept. 23, 1928 to Albert and Theresa Musson Rudnitski. Don was a U.S. Army veteran of the 748th Military Police Battalion and served in the Korean War. Don was a plumber/pipe fitter and life member of UA Local #112 in Binghamton.
Don generously gave time to the Boy Scouts of the Susquenango, Rip Van Winkle and Alamo councils. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and beekeeper and loved the outdoors. Don was an EMT for the Norwich Emergency Squad and for the last 10 years, he was a driver on the New Paltz rescue squad. Don is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Dr. Rose Moligano Rudnitski, with whom he had two sons, Joseph (Samantha) Rudnitski of Walkill and Stephen Rudnitski of New Paltz.
Don is also survived by his 1st wife Constance Nadal Degear and their three daughters, Patricia (Jeff) Nelson of Sterling, Ohio, Ann Farnham and fiancé Don Hoag and Barbara Rudnitski of Norwich. He is survived by one brother Gerald (Sarah) Rudnitski of Venice, Fla. He is survived by grandchildren Christopher Rudnitski and fiancé Michelle of Charlotte, N.C.; Jessica Binelli, Joseph Binelli, Samantha Jaramillo, Adam Raza, Kathryn Wade, Amanda Nelson and Carter Rudnitski. He is also survived by many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents and a daughter Lucy Elizabeth on June 3, 2009.
Calling hours for Don were held on Tuesday, April 12, at the Copeland Funeral Home in New Paltz with the Mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, April 13, at St. Joseph’s Church in New Paltz. Burial took place in the New Paltz Rural Cemetery following the mass. Please visit copelandfhnp.com to view photos and tributes to Don and feel free to leave your tributes and sympathies there.