Obituary for Rudy F. Colich
Town of Poughkeepsie -On December 10, 2022 Rudy F. Colich passed away at the age of 74 after a multi-year battle with stage four lung cancer from Agent Orange of the Vietnam Era. He fought his cancer with grace, courage and dignity. Unfortunately, the illness was stronger than the cure.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on March 26, 1948 Rudy was the son of Rudolph F. Colich Sr. and Josephine Tobacco that predeceased him along with a brother Frank J. Colich.
Rudy enlisted and served in the Air Force from August 1966 to June 1970. He was a Jet engine mechanic, first attending Aircraft mechanics school in Amarillo, Texas for nine weeks servicing and maintaining aircrafts. From 1967-68 he was stationed at the Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, 6200 OMS (Origination Mechanic Squadron) tire shop. From 1968-70 he was in Vietnam - Phan Rang Air Base, South Vietnam, 64 Fighter interceptor squadron as crew chief F 100 flight line, McCord Air Force Base, Tacoma, Washington receiving a Grade Sergeant - E4.
After returning from the service Rudy received a degree from Dutchess Community College in 1973 and in 1973 to 74, he studied at SUNY New Paltz majoring in Mathematics.
Rudy started his career with the Dutchess County Jail and became an officer for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office first as Road Patrol then promoted to Detective. He became certified in scuba diving for rescue and recovery and part of the Sheriff's boat patrol on the Hudson River. Upon retiring in 2004 he worked for Marist College as a security officer for eight years.
Rudy was a devoted husband, father, step-father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. Rudy was the anchor upon which we all stood and our loss is immeasurable. He was an active member at the Poughkeepsie Yacht Club working on the docks, became the Chair of moorings for many years, elected as a Flag officer and achieving Commodore. He enjoyed sailing his 36 ft Pearson Ketch "Anemone" and going on many sailing adventures with fellow PYC sailors visiting the many ports and marinas along the way with Atlantic Highlands, Mystic, and Shelter Island being some of his destination points.
Rudy is survived by his wife Alison Colich, sons Rudy Colich III, wife Daniela, Joseph Labour, wife Elizabeth and granddaughter Mary, two step-daughters Brooke and Jennifer Kaase.
Donations may be made in Rudy’s memory to DAV #144 at Castle Point VAMC.
There will be a graveside service on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 10 am at St. Denis Cemetery, 604 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction with military honors. Family and friends may gather at 9:15 am at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction to follow in funeral procession to the cemetery.
Please Visit Rudy’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on March 26, 1948 Rudy was the son of Rudolph F. Colich Sr. and Josephine Tobacco that predeceased him along with a brother Frank J. Colich.
Rudy enlisted and served in the Air Force from August 1966 to June 1970. He was a Jet engine mechanic, first attending Aircraft mechanics school in Amarillo, Texas for nine weeks servicing and maintaining aircrafts. From 1967-68 he was stationed at the Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, 6200 OMS (Origination Mechanic Squadron) tire shop. From 1968-70 he was in Vietnam - Phan Rang Air Base, South Vietnam, 64 Fighter interceptor squadron as crew chief F 100 flight line, McCord Air Force Base, Tacoma, Washington receiving a Grade Sergeant - E4.
After returning from the service Rudy received a degree from Dutchess Community College in 1973 and in 1973 to 74, he studied at SUNY New Paltz majoring in Mathematics.
Rudy started his career with the Dutchess County Jail and became an officer for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office first as Road Patrol then promoted to Detective. He became certified in scuba diving for rescue and recovery and part of the Sheriff's boat patrol on the Hudson River. Upon retiring in 2004 he worked for Marist College as a security officer for eight years.
Rudy was a devoted husband, father, step-father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. Rudy was the anchor upon which we all stood and our loss is immeasurable. He was an active member at the Poughkeepsie Yacht Club working on the docks, became the Chair of moorings for many years, elected as a Flag officer and achieving Commodore. He enjoyed sailing his 36 ft Pearson Ketch "Anemone" and going on many sailing adventures with fellow PYC sailors visiting the many ports and marinas along the way with Atlantic Highlands, Mystic, and Shelter Island being some of his destination points.
Rudy is survived by his wife Alison Colich, sons Rudy Colich III, wife Daniela, Joseph Labour, wife Elizabeth and granddaughter Mary, two step-daughters Brooke and Jennifer Kaase.
Donations may be made in Rudy’s memory to DAV #144 at Castle Point VAMC.
There will be a graveside service on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 10 am at St. Denis Cemetery, 604 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction with military honors. Family and friends may gather at 9:15 am at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction to follow in funeral procession to the cemetery.
Please Visit Rudy’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.