Porter - Rudolph William Wissley (Rudy) 68 passed away unexpectedly on March 17, 2020 due to a medical condition. He was Born in Schenectady, NY on May 30, 1951 a son of Anne E. Zodos and Rudolph Zolton Wissley.
He grew up in Schenectady with his parents and siblings. His family moved to Virginia for a couple of years and then settled in Portland, Maine in 1967. Rudy graduated from Deering High School in 1970.
He worked in the local area after high school at G.E., Classic, Hague International, and Vulcan Electric. He worked in the manufacturing industry and he even invented a patent for an electrical heating panel. He worked at Vulcan for several years and even went back after retirement and continued to work there up to his passing. Rudy loved working with people. He left the manufacturing industry to do something more customer service related. He worked at Hannaford as seafood manager until he retired in 2015.
Rudy enjoyed the interaction with people. He loved working at the Portland store. He would see many family and friends he could catch up with. He had a charismatic personality with his own fun sense of humor that always made you laugh or walk away with a smile. A couple of his favorite jobs were local family establishments. He worked on and off for Bay Haven Seafood Restaurant, perfecting different seafood chowders. After retiring, he worked at Freedom Market in NH. He made the best breakfast pizza and the small family store was a perfect environment for his social self.
Rudy enjoyed all sports from watching car and horse racing to football and hockey. He also liked the betting and office pools that went along with them. He played softball and hockey as an adult which kept him young at heart. Rudy coached Bonny Eagle Middle School Hockey, Westbrook Little League and even Soccer. He always wanted to see the kids succeed not just within the sport, but in school and life. He would listen without judgement and always saw the good in things and people. He had a huge heart and truly cared about people.
Rudy called Porter Maine home for the past 25 years. He loved living there and he has many great friends that were like family. Including His longtime neighbor Brad McInnis of Porter, who was like a brother, close cousin..or partner in crime. Marc Lavigne and his Mother Kim were also like family. His generous nature and kind heart were reasons he was loved and will be missed by so many.
He loved fishing, hunting and gardening. He lived a good, simple life enjoying what each day would bring and made the most of it.
He is predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law, Matthew Purzycki. He is survived by his siblings: Sharon Purzycki of Schenectady New York, Christine Wissley of Portland Maine and Brian Wissley and wife Carolyn of Cape Elizabeth Maine. His Daughter Jennifer Dorsey and husband Josh Dorsey of Casco. His Son Rudolph Michael Wissley of Millinocket. Four Grandsons Rudolph Michael Wissley(14) Owen Dorsey(10) Ethan Dorsey(6) and Ryker Wissley(5) plus many nieces, and nephews.
A look into the timeline of Rudy’s life pales in comparison to the genuine person he was and all the lives he touched. He lived a well rounded life. He was a great dad, son, brother, uncle and friend. Those that knew him werely truly blessed. He will be in our hearts forever. In remembering Rudy, be kind. Enjoy and live life to the fullest.
A celebration of his life is planned for later in the summer. Arrangements by Poitras, Neal and York Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.mainefuneral.com