I had gone to school with Rudy and will always remember the gentleman he was.  May you forever rest in peace, Rudy,  and may your family savor the beautiful memories.

Rest in Peace Rudy
We went to Woodland Avenue.


Kind soul and great heart! Rudy will  stay in my heart forever. Every day at school, before we said "good morning" to each other, he would first say my name "Gosia", with a loud tone of his voice. And I would say "Rudy". That was his way of saying "I am so glad to see you", and I adopted that very special way of welcoming Rudy in the morning right away. 
I will miss that dearly, because it made me feel special.  In every shared story his wife, daughters, grandchildren, had very special place. You could sense they were his everything. That is what I will remember the most about Rudy, how many lives he touched because he cared and loved. Thank you for being my Friend:))

Dear Rudy,
When you left this earth the love you gave and received remains with me forever.  I have a special memory of you when you were a toddler. When you were 1 and I was 16, I had very long hair and teased you with it.   Rudy you would laugh all the time I teased you and try to grab hold of it.   Your dad used to say I hope he gets your hair and pulls it hard.  You were a very special person Rudy and will always be in my heart and prayers,   My heart goes out to Marilyn, Tricia, Melissa and all your grandchildren.   Love you always, Aunt Franny

A funny thing that always happens in my household on a holiday is my husband is always looking to complete a home project.  I would send a photo to Rudy of the latest craziness going on in my home generally on Christmas and he would laugh and laugh.  He always wanted to see the latest project and I was so happy to oblige.  Growing up in a large Italian Family we got together frequently.  The men always wound up playing cards which I found fascinating and always watched.  I recently found a photo of my brother and Rudy playing cards in my Aunt Lucy’s backyard.  I am sure my dad, uncle John, and uncle Rudy were across from them.  I sent the photo to Rudy on December 20th and asked if he remembered it.  He said he remembered it like it was yesterday.  I am so glad we shared that happy memory before Christmas.  Rudy I miss you so much.  I hope Marilyn doesn’t mind if I send her pictures of future home construction projects.  All my love to Marilyn, Tricia, Melissa and all the grandkids.   Gone but never forgotten.  Love you.  Cuz Donna

I remember when I was young it so hard for me to tell Rudy and Rich apart.  My mom would always get it right. I remember when they came back from the service and their Dad bought them each an Oldsmobile 442. Really cool cars back then. When I was young I learned to play pool on the pool table In his parent’s home. Rudy was a very good man. Everyone in the family loved him. 

I grew up next door to the Giaccaglias and over the years their house became my second home.  Meme and I were only a few weeks apart in age and at many points of our lives, including today, were the bestest of friends.  Rudy (Dewey, as Meme & I called him) and Marilyn (Red, as we called her) were like second parents to me.  And although sometimes (ok, often) he'd yell at me for walking on his grass to get back and forth between our houses, I knew he loved me.  He was gruff on the outside but a big teddy bear on the inside.  His laugh was deep and infectious and he exemplified loyalty, warmth, and hard work.  And honesty!  I remember coming home from college one summer and he made a joke about my "freshman 15."  Lol.  He was so right!  But mostly he exuded love.  When I got married, my husband Dave, was talking to him and called him "Mr. G" to which Dewey commanded, "Call me Rudy.  We're family now."  My entire family is saddened by his loss and our hearts and prayers are with Red, Trish, Meme and all the grandkids.  Even though he's not with us anymore, he will never be forgotten.  XOXO

I can remember like it was yesterday Rudy teasing me at my locker in 1962 Being an identical twin he got me every time.  As we grew up I introduce him to his lovely bride today an a dear friend  Marilyn. Our friendship grew as did our families. We both  had 2 girls, they became friends as well and we all became a close family .  Cliff and I stand here with broken hearts and a big void for the  loss of a friend a family member and a brother.  He will never be forgotten and always will be with us hopefully watching over us all. We love and miss you our friend  rest in peace  god bless 

Suleika and I and our family wanted to send our sincerest condolences regarding your father’s death. He reminded me of my father with his unwavering devotion to his grandchildren. We know how important he was to you and your family and are saying prayers for you and the kids. 
Bill

On this day when many of us are surrounded by family and friends in celebration the holy day of Christmas, I am deeply saddened to inform you of the sudden passing of a member of our Rocky Point Schools family, Mr. Rudy Giaccaglia.  Although he served with great dedication as the Joseph A. Edgar school’s full-time guard since just 2012, and as part-time guard for a year before that, Rudy was nonetheless woven into the fabric of the JAE school, and our school district, as if he had been a part of the family for decades.
 
Having graduated high school during the challenging decade of the 1960’s, like so many of his generation, Rudy served our nation during the Vietnam War and gave selflessly of himself in the name of freedom.  Upon returning from service, he once again showed that  hard work was no stranger to him, pursuing a successful thirty-five year career as a construction superintendent, where he supervised major construction projects, including elements of the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site following the attacks of 9/11.  Although deserving of a restful retirement after such a long and remarkable career, Rudy sought out a new opportunity and showed us all his commitment to service through his tireless focus on ensuring the safety and security of our students, staff and visitors, including two of his own grandchildren, who attend Rocky Point schools.  Indeed, he was anything but retired. Rather, Rudy was a steadfast professional who, even when the school year had ended, would continue to serve our schools during the summer months, in his second role as a member of the school custodial staff.
 
As we end this day of peace and brotherhood on such a sad note, I ask that we all take a moment to reflect on the life of our friend and colleague, while keeping his wife, Marilyn, his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends in our hearts and prayers.
 
Regards,
Michael F. Ring, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Rocky Point Union Free School

My nickname from you was "smit the pit". Nice rhymn to it, huh? Will miss you, but know we'll carry you in our heart forever.
Love to all the family who temporarily walk with aching hearts, time will help you only remember the good memories.

Rudy was the kindest and warmest gentlemen. Always had a smile on his face and happy to see everyone. 
I looked forward to my morning wave as I pulled into JAE and then my hello greeting as I walked into work. Just seeing the white truck sitting there and knowing a Rudy wave was coming, put a smile on my face!  
Work mornings just won’t be the same. My condolences to his entire family. Rudy, May you Rest In Peace and watch us all from above!  Xozo

Rudy was a true gentleman and kind soul. I have such fond memories of working with Rudy.  Every morning he started the day by placing each traffic cone in it’s precisely marked spot. I would tease him that he must have had the most cones in the district.  However,  the safety of the children and staff was always his highest priority. When he was finished he would stop by and chat, share a joke and very often a story about his family and beloved grandchildren.  Everyone loved Rudy because he was a genuine, good guy.  He touched so many lives in Rocky Point. I am happy to have known and worked with him.  My heartfelt sympathies and prayers 🙏

My deepest sympathy to Rudy's family and I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that he touched the lives of so many people. He was such a caring man who always had a smile and a wave or pleasant word for everyone at JAE School.  Early mornings were especially busy  during drop-off for orchestra as we tried to keep the line of cars moving.  Rudy always acknowledged the children and made sure they entered the building safely.  He offered assistance as my granddaughter juggled her backpack and cello while closing the car door.  She told me I could go because Rudy was there. These were priceless gifts from a man who actually did make this world a better place. Rudy's presence truly will be missed, but never forgotten. 

Our deepest condolences to Rudys’ family... you husband, dad & grandpa made JAE an amazing place to come to.  Rudy made it a point to know every parent and every child.  He watched with a careful eye as kids walked to school and across the parking lot, helped those who needed an extra hand and gave a gentle but reassuring smile to those who needed it.  I had MANY conversations with him and will miss forever miss his warm smile.  He made everyone feel safe.  There is NO WAY he can be replaced and will certainly NEVER be forgotten.  He has touched thousands of families in his life and we want to express our sorrow for your loss. 
The Rooney Family

I am so saddened and send prayers to Rudy’s family. For many years when I dropped off my children at school,or we were there for an event,  Rudy’s wave and warm greeting to us made us feel special and welcome. It was a wonderful way to start the school day.  We had great conversations about teachers too.  He was truly genuine and kind and will be missed by all. 

Rudy will be missed by so many......a wave, a smile a few kind words for everyone.....he took his job seriously and made us all feel safe.  Prayers and God bless his family.  

Rudy was such a kind soul with a giving spirit.  He always greeted all of the children with a smile, and was such a positive influence on all of them.  My daughter Andraya particularly enjoyed Rudy’s daily lunch room visits, as many days last year she sat with Rudy’s granddaughter Megan.  Much love to all of Rudy’s family and friends .  Thank you Rudy, for all you did for the children of Rocky Point. 

Dear Marilyn, Tricia , Melissa & Grandkids, 
I am so saddened to hear of your husband/dad's/Grandpa's death.  I am sure your lives will never be the same from now on but always remember that love NEVER dies.  May God give you strength during this difficult time and may you be comforted by your memories.....Love, Nanci and family

My daughter is 17 now , when she was in 3rd grade she was very quiet and she didn’t make a lot of friends she would come home every day and tell me about her best friend Rudy said she would sit with him on the bench by the playground and talk the whole lunch period about life I was so happy that she had this friend and then one day we were leaving the school and she screamed out the window of the car ...bye Rudy !!!And to my surprise and shock Rudy  was a grown man haha  Rudy and I got to speak about this months later and we both laughed he was such a kind soul and cared so much about the kids!!! RIP Rudy and thank you for being my daughters lunch buddy!!!

Rudy will be deeply missed by many. His smiling face and warm hellos made coming to the school such a pleasure. Rudy was such a kind, gentle soul that protected our children and made JAE a happier place.  I'll miss your smile at the diner, the school, and around town, Rudy.  Many blessings to your family and thank you for all you gave to us.

Rudy was not only a co worker but my good friend.  He was nice to everybody and kept our school safe! He will be missed tremendously at JAE. Nine o clock coffee break will never be the same without him. Rest In Peace my friend! 

I'm so saddened to hear this news. Rudy was a warm, bright protector that made me feel that my children were safe. He made it his business to recognize us parents and greet us with a wave and a smile every time we entered the school grounds. He will be sorely missed.
My deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Love,
The Marino family 

My deepest sympathy and prayers to Rudy's family and friends. Rudy was a true "Gem!" A caring, loving, kind, young gentle man who always greeted staff and students at JAE ! His warm smile and hello will remain in my heart forever! Rest in Peace Rudy..you will surely be missed by the Rocky Point Community and JAE🙏

Rudy, he was our protector, he was there inside the cafeteria, watching us cross the road with the kids  and watching us at recess making sure we, the monitors and children, were safe at all times. He was our friend, he was my friend. I will miss your smile and collecting lotto money from you as you always said I was taking your money. Lol Your presence will be greatly missed at JAE. You will be protecting us now from Heaven, Rudy. 

Izzy Badal

Rudy greeted everyone with a smile everyday.   Such a gentleman, always so kind.  From a simple wave in the parking lot, to a quick hello or handshake in the hall; he brought warmth to all of us.   

Rudy was always smiling, waving, a quick chat greeting us as I dropped off and picked up my daughter,  Kamryn for the three years she was at JAE.  Rudy made her feel comfortable because she was very shy. Kamryn aka Kamy asked if she could call him Rudy/grandpa...... Rudy told her that would be ok. Kamy gave him a hug everyday in the mornings and afternoons. Kamy also made me drive her to JAE on our way home on the first day of school from the Middle School in September just so she can say hi to him and hug him.  Rudy was a kind, caring and wonderful man. He always enjoyed talking to my husband too. We are so heartbroken over his loss. We are praying for his wife and all his family. 
Rudy will be missed terribly! 

Rudy was always such a kind hearted person! My daughter Isabella loved him! She was always so excited to give him a Christmas gift! This was our first year with no children at JAE but still made our way to see him! Always smiling and a gentleman! RIP. You will be missed dearly!🙏🏻🙏🏻

Rudy was one of a kind. His kindness and gentle way touched more lives than I can count. He was the first hello every day at JAE, and the last goodbye. He made each person feel special and important. Your impact on my every day will never be forgotten. Rest in peace dear Rudy. 

OBITUARY

Rudolph "Rudy" Giaccaglia

August 5, 1948 – December 25, 2018

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes - Miller Place

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