At age 17 he entered the Air Force and served for four years during the Korean conflict. Upon his discharge he attended Hofstra University from which he received both undergraduate and graduate degrees in history. He later earned another master’s degree in counseling from Long Island University.
He was an educator for 31 years, serving as both a teacher and guidance counselor in the Freeport, New York schools.
Rudy was predeceased by his parents, Antimo and Rita Valentino, and his brothers, Gene and Francis, as well as his sisters, Mary Crispo, Lucy Salerno, and Anna Wahrendorff.
He leaves behind Grace, his beloved wife of 53 years, and his 3 sons, Christopher and wife Kathleen, Stephen, and Sean. He will also be missed by his 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
He will be interred at the Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida, and a memorial for Rudy will be held at a later date.