Dr. Denis Patrick Herman Rudd, 81, passed away on Monday, December 29th, 2025 at his residence.
Dr. Rudd was born on June 30, 1944 in New York, NY to the late John and Eileen (McMahon) Rudd. He fought his first battle with the neighbors down the street. They pulled so many snowball flowers off the bushes they were in trouble for months! Flowers graduated to snowballs every year in winter. He loved New York and the neighborhood. His family moved when he was in high school. First to Vermont where he attended Arlington Memorial High and then to Palm Beach, FL where he attended and graduated from Palm Beach HS. He joined the military (army rangers) and fought in Vietnam reupping for a second tour where he lost his leg. He stayed in the military after healing and met his beloved wife Julie there. They married and traveled the world for the military before retiring to Mount Holly, NJ where he had his daughter Helen. While serving in the military he was awarded: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 1 Overseas Bar, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart, and held the rank of Captain.
He was far from retired though! He entered college and in short order obtained a Bachelor’s in Finance from Ryder University, an MBA, graduate degree in education and an Ed.D in educational psychology from UNLV. He had a son, Denis while in Las Vegas, NV . The family moved to Babson Park, FL for him to begin teaching at Webber College. Family roots called him back to Vermont though and he began a business with his wife and children. He stayed in Vermont for ten years where he owned and ran Equinox Sky Line Inn before going back into education and teaching as an associate professor at Niagara University in NY and then as a University professor and director of the hospitality management program at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania.
Denis was preceded in death by his parents John and Eileen Rudd and is survived by his beloved wife Julie, son Denis, and daughter Helen as well as his siblings Lettie Ann Rodriquez, John Rudd and Maggie Rudd.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2nd 2026 from 1:00 pm until the time of the Blessing Service at 3:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Father James Wehner officiating. Interment will be at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cheektowada, NY. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the funeral home on Friday by 2:50 pm to conduct full military honors.
For the comfort of the family, we kindly ask that masks be worn and that handshakes be avoided. Your understanding and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food bank at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, 300 Crescent Ave. suite 1, Ellwood City, Pa 16117.
To honor and celebrate his life, guests are welcome to wear colorful attire if they wish.
5 Comments
Ive knowing Dr. Rudd for over 30 yrs. For 20 yrss our two families shared Thanksging holidays.in all that time a week never went by where we did not keep in touch. He was one of my closest friends. Dont know how I will get along without hearing his voice. I miss you already doc.
It won’t be the same without Denis at Robert Morris events. It was great to get to know him over our shared time at RMU. He was a true original and will be missed.
Words can not express how much I miss you Da. We are bereft. I’ve been asking myself WWDD every day and hope that I am able to do so for the rest of my life. The example you set with your kindness,generosity and giving nature is something I am always trying to live up to. So…WWDD.
My condolences are with the family at this difficult time. I enjoyed having Dr. Rudd as a mentor during my time in the hospitality program at RMU, and to this day can hear his booming voice and am reminded of his commanding presence. Thank you for your service to this country and to education, Dr. Rudd.
I am sending my sincere condolences to Uncle Dennis’ family; Julie, Helen and Dennis. Although I have not seen you all in many years- I hold many treasured memories of your visits to our family in VT. Uncle Dennis’ visits were something we all looked forward to during the VT hunting season. Uncle Dennis dragged my Dad out into the woods during his visit. They always returned with funny stories of their adventures. My brothers have shared a few details ! 🙂 Uncle Dennis brought joy and laughter into our family -every time that we had the good fortune to be with him. He was one of a kind and my heart is sad that the world has lost his vibrant personality. Thank you Uncle Dennis for all that you gave our country, my family and the greater communities that were touched by you. Sending strength to Helen, Dennis, and Julie.
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