Rudy Burdick, 82, passed away October 30, 2013. Rodolph Davis Burdick was born January 28, 1931, the eldest son of Rodolph Sr. and Gladys May Holt.
Rudy attended local schools and graduated from RE Fitch High School Class of 1950. He joined the Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. After his service, Rudy was accepted into Electric Boat's draftsman apprentice school. Upon completion he went to work in EB's drafting department where he eventually became a senior specialist in piping designs for submarines. Rudy retired from "the hill" ("where all the good ideas come from," as he always said), in January 1994.
Rudy married Barbara Burke January 8, 1955. They had 4 children - Catherine (Chris) Over of Paso Robles, CA, Nancy (Earle) Pearson of Mystic, Sandra (Roland) Sineiro of Groton and David Burdick of Silver Springs, FL. All survive him. He was a wonderful grandfather to and is survived by 9 grandchildren - Benjamin Over, Rebecka Over, Sarah Sheagren, Andrew Over, Earle Pearson Jr., Michael Pearson, Marcus Pearson, Jaimie Sineiro and Michael Sineiro. There are 5 great-grandchildren.
Rudy is also survived by his brother Thomas (Jackie) Burdick of Stonington. His sister Marjorie Victoria predeceased him.
Rudy loved classical music and at age 35 learned to play his beloved cello. He was self-taught on the piano. Rudy and Barbara spent many happy years antiquing. He was a collector of whale oil lamps and became very knowledgable about them. He was a volunteer fireman with the Hoxie Fire Department, as well as a driver for the Hoxie Ambulance for many years.
Those who knew Rudy will remember his humor and his kindness. "We love you so much Dad, you are truly the best. As a husband and father you stood out from the rest. On your family you left your mark - our Father, Our Mentor, Our Patriarch."
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Service on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 2:00pm at the Road Church, 888 Pequot Trail, Stonington. Burial will be private.
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