Henry W. Rudzis, age 87, a resident of Medford, died Tuesday, July 25, 2006 in Tewksbury at the Blair House. He was born in Boston´s West End to the late Mary C. (Buianowska) Rudzis & George S. Rudzis. Henry attended St. Joseph Parochial school and graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in Boston. He worked at the Watertown Arsenal and was a member of the West End House. Henry was a expert rifleman in the Army during World War II and served in Iwo Jima as an artillery mechanic for heavy anti-aircraft guns. After the war he was a machinist at the Boston Naval Shipyard, and was an avid bowler and card player.
Henry was the loving brother of Sophie Rudzis of Medford, Josephine Wazlowski of Tewksbury and the late Agnes Rudzis. Loving uncle of Karen Gertner and her family of Endicott, NY and Michael Wazlowski and his family of New Fairfield, CT. Also survived by many loving cousins.
Henry was a man with a ready laugh and he was always willing to “be there” for his family. He cared for his mother in her old age and his late sister Agnes, who was disabled as a result of childhood polio. He was the unofficial chauffeur for his sister Sophie, taking her on regular shopping trips and back and forth to work in Framingham. In 1954 when his sister Josephine learned to drive, he made sure she knew how to change a tire. He was like a second father to his niece and nephew, giving them a weekly allowance, advice, help with homework and later, loans for college. Henry will be sorely missed by his family, a family who was lucky to have known and been loved by him.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD, Friday at 8 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 9 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.