Rudolph (Rudy) Federman lived a blessed life, reaching 93 years of age. He was a man who defied definitions and boundaries. He was an electrical engineer by trade, but also touched many lives as a singer, actor, and comedian. He entertained and cared for others his entire life. Even from his hospice bed, he was still telling jokes, and singing and dancing with his family. He had a smile that would light up the whole room and a gift for making people laugh.
Rudy earned his bachelor’s degree from City College of New York and his master’s from Columbia University. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, which made them very proud. In addition to his productive career and schooling, Rudy also proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War.
A family man at heart, Rudy was married to his beloved wife Thelma for nearly 63 years. They lived a full life together, showing the world that a marriage can last and what true love looks like. She will miss him greatly, but has their five children to help her through this difficult time.
Rudy loved to travel. Both he and Thelma taught their children to appreciate the differences in people and cultures. Rudy strove to instill a sense of responsibility, love of life, and an ability to forgive into his children — traits that have certainly helped them in their own lives. One of his key lessons was to “never take pride in or feel gratitude for another’s suffering, even your enemies.” We are here to lift others up and he did just that.
Rudy sacrificed a great deal to make sure his children were provided with everything that they needed while they were growing up. He moved them out of an urban environment, eventually settling in Maryland to make sure that they had strong roots growing up. Rudy even began doing community theatre when some of his children took an interest in performing so that he could share in that part of their lives. He continued performing, eventually making his way to regional theatre. Some of his key roles were Lazar Wolf from Fiddler on the Roof, Captain Brackett in South Pacific, and Mr. Lundie in Brigadoon.
His life is celebrated not only by his wife, Thelma, but also by his five children who miss him and love him greatly; Keith Federman, Harvey Federman (Spouse Robert), Jeff Federman (Spouse Christine), Carol Federman, and Brad Federman (Spouse Hollie).
Rudy was richer than most because he had an extended family that he was able to watch grow up to become young adults. He has grandchildren that represent his various interests, ranging from the sciences to the arts. His grandchildren should know that he was proud of all of them and will continue to watch over them as the years pass. His life is also celebrated by his eight grandchildren, who knew him as “Grandpa”; William Federman (Spouse Molly), Cassandra Federman (Spouse Robert), Amanda Scally (Spouse James), Carly Federman, Julia Federman, Alec Federman, Aris Federman, and Elijah Federman.
One thing we can all agree on is that Rudy could not cook. The family has a number of humorous stories that end with smoke and fire alarms after he would attempt to prepare a meal. A particularly memorable experience occurred when he and his son had to cook a meal for a Father/Son Cub Scout dinner. Thelma, his wife, went the extra mile to make it easier by providing a tuna noodle casserole kit (Tuna Helper). A foolproof plan, if you take the time to read the directions. Dad put the noodles, spices, and tuna in the pot, but never added water. Needless to say, Mom had to save the day so that they would have something to bring. His kids are thankful their mother could cook and for Roy Roger’s being down the street.
He was a lover of music, especially the opera. His favorite singer was Enrico Caruso. Rudy was also a fan of classic old movies such as “Angels with Dirty Faces,” “Casablanca,” and “On the Waterfront.” One of his children credits Rudy for passing along that love of old movies.
Rudy was brought up with religion in his life. He took comfort in the traditions and rituals of Judaism. He studied Judaism and drew great insights from its biblical teachings. More importantly, his religious experience centered on family and community. To Rudy, Jewish life represented our interconnectedness in the human experience. Jewish life was family life. His family is comforted knowing he has joined; his mother Bertha, father Hyman, brother Martin (spouse Evelyn), and sister Gertrude (spouse Izadore). There is no doubt that he has found a stage in Heaven and started his stand-up act. Who knows? Maybe he is doing a scene with Marlon Brando, singing “Some Enchanted Evening” with Ezio Pinza, or doing a comedy bit with Milton Berle and Sid Caesar. What we do know is that Heaven is a whole lot brighter and more fun now that Rudy has arrived for his walk down the red carpet.
Donations can be made in Rudy’s honor to the Jewish Social Service Agency Hospice at https://www.jssa.org/give/.
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