Rudy Walls, Sr., 79, of Commodore, PA passed away at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA on January 12th, 2024 after a brave battle with cancer for sixteen years. Through it all he was thankful to God for both the good and the bad. He battled cancer six times and never questioned why.
Rudy was born on June 30, 1944 at home to Beryl and Waldon Walls of Commodore, PA. He got his early education in a one room school house and graduated from Purchase Line High School.
He had a logging business before going into the Army, where he was a MP. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for various companies in PA and Maryland. Rudy was employed at the Homer City Generating Station until his retirement. He then decided to go back to work for the Operating Engineers and was a member of the District 2 union.
Rudy enjoyed working in his woodshop, where he made some beautiful pieces of furniture.
He was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and thanks to his grandson, Austin, Rudy was introduced to and became addicted to rodeos. He was happiest when he was out in the woods either hunting or just enjoying a walk. A big passion of his was history, either reading about it or watching documentaries. Rudy shared his love of history with his grandson, Frank. He could tell you details of many battles and wars. Rudy once was asked if he was a history professor, which gave him a laugh.
Rudy was married for fifty-three years to Michalene Sokol and together they raised four children, who he was so very proud of. He was dedicated to his family so much that he built a horse barn solely on his own knowing his kids wanted horses and he did not want to disappoint them.
He is survived by his wife, Michalene; his daughter, Jessica Vollaro (Frank); his son, Rudy, Jr. (Rhonda); his daughters, Catherine Paolillo (Bill) and Peggy Schrammel (Kurt); his grandchildren: Frank, Nora, Adela, Gwendolyn; Austin; Alexis and Chloe; his great grandchildren: Bailey, Jessa and Cassidy; his brother-in-law, Joe Sokol, numerous nephews and a niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Wally, his twin brothers Lester, Sr. and Leroy; his nephew, Lester, Jr. and his sister-in-law, Sally Walls.
Family and friends will be received from 2-4:00 and 6-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA, where at 2:30 p.m. military honors will be observed by the Clymer American Legion Post 222. Also taking place during the afternoon visitation will be a 3:30 p.m. wake service.
On Friday, January 19, 2024 an 11:30 a.m. funeral mass will be held at the Church of the Resurrection in Clymer, PA with Fr. James Morley as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Clymer, PA
Visit www.rairighfh.com to sign Rudy’s guestbook and share condolences.
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