Rusty Gaudet

Rusty married the love of his life Lauren Hudson in 1995 and together they raised their sons, Russell and Patrick, in his childhood home. Rusty attended PS 19, Prall (Intermediate School 27), and Susan Wagner High School. Rusty then followed in his father’s footsteps, working at PSE&G in Jersey City. He retired in 2022 after working for 41 years and one day. He was a West Brighton staple, working at numerous bars throughout the years. Rusty began his bartending career at the Bullpen and continued on at JW’s and the Tailgate. In 1995, he fulfilled his dream of owning his own tavern when he opened Rusty’s in the building that was once the Bullpen. After selling the business, he continued to bartend there under its new owners (who kept the Rusty’s name ) and later at The Point.

Rusty was a talented baseball player. Beginning with his days in the Blessed Sacrament Titan League, which his parents were instrumental in starting, to playing in the Morris league and ASA Majors league as a young adult. He was fortunate to play for many years with his brother Gerry. Rusty was catcher for the two-time national championship ASA Bullpen team. He continued to play recreational softball for many years.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Rusty was an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians JFK Division 1. He served terms as president and vice president of the division and was currently county president. One of his greatest honors was serving as an aide to the grand marshal of the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2018. He was also a member of the Jacques Committee. The Gaudet family were members of Hillside Swim Club for over three decades. Rusty could often be found at the family table on Sundays with a Miller High Life and his crossword puzzles. He would also take his $500 dollar dip, as he called it, because it was rare!

Rusty’s family was everything to him. His boys were his world. He never missed an opportunity to brag about his kids to anyone who asked and even those who didn’t. Whether it was cheering on Patrick at a swim meet, coaching Russell’s baseball team, or watching the plays that they built the set for, he was always the proudest dad. Some of his favorite days with his sons were spent playing a round of golf and their annual Father’s Day tradition of watching the U.S. Open together. Lauren and Rusty recently crossed two items off their bucket list when they traveled to Ireland (where he of course played golf) and Alaska. With 7 siblings and nieces, nephews and cousins too many to count, family events were never small. He loved the Christmas Eve gatherings, annual Kelly Cousin Tri-County golf outing, and the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade parties at his home. Rusty looked forward to the summer vacations to LBI with his favorite neighbors, John, Colleen, Bridget, and Casey Mulvey. They took these vacations each and every year for the past 25 years.

Rusty enjoyed living the “high life”. He never missed an opportunity to have a good time. Whether it was dinner with his Boys of 62, Sunday Fundays with the Hillside Compound, playing golf with the Jody’s 12-hole league or just meeting friends to catch up, he was always the first to respond yes, the first to arrive and usually the last to leave. Rusty will be remembered for his quick wit and “true stories”. Rusty was larger than life. He had a big personality and even bigger heart. Everyone he met was instantly a friend. Rusty will be missed by so many but especially his wife and children.

The youngest of 8 children Rusty was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Anna Gaudet, brother Ally Gaudet, and nephew John Kimball. He is survived by his siblings Marie Kimball (John), Ann Hindelong (Frank), John (Gloria), Evelyn Rogers (Dan), Bernadette McGowan (Steve) and Gerry (Rochelle), in-laws Mark and Marion Hudson, Erik Hudson (LuAnne), Beth Celentano (Rich) and Amy Gioia (Mike). Rusty also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.