George Leon (Rudy) Rudloff, Sr.

June 29, 1922 – July 10, 2017 

From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

With heavy hearts, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association report that George Leon “Rudy” Rudloff, Sr., of Wilmington, DE, left formation on 10 July 2017 at age 95. Rudy was a 334th co-pilot and former POW. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved wife Ruth and family. Folded wings.

Rudy’s obituary, published in Wilmington’s News Journal from 14 July to 17 July 2017, follows below.

“Born June 29, 1922, in Wilmington, DE, George was the son of the late Rosa Assmus Rudloff and Leon Rudloff. He was a graduate of Salesianum High School and served in World War II as a pilot in the 95th Bomb Group of the Air Force flying B-17 Bombers out of Horham, England. He became a prisoner of war after his plane was totally disabled from enemy flak during a bombing mission over Schweinfurt, Germany, in 1944. Upon returning home in June 1945, he married his high school sweetheart Ruth L. Thomas. George retired from General Motors as a supervisor for 30 years after which he helped his son Tom in his business until he was almost 90 years old. 

“He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Ruth, and their 5 children: Ruth M. Rudloff of Middletown, DE, George L. Rudloff, Jr. (Joanne) of Silverthorn, CO, Rosemary Rudloff of Sunapee, NH, Thomas W. Rudloff (Anita) of Wilmington and Lewes, DE and Mary Kate Church (Bill) of Bear, DE.; 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. 

“He was predeceased by his sister Madeline Thomasson and brother Charles A. Rudloff. 

“A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Matthews Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Woodcrest on Wednesday, July 19 at 11 am preceded by a viewing in the church from 10 am - 11 am for family and friends. Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE.  

“The family wishes to thank the staff at the VA Community Living Center, Regal Heights Healthcare and Vitas Healthcare for their continued care and support of George.

“In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Ministry of Caring, 119 N. Jackson St., Wilmington, DE 19805 and St. Matthews Church, Wilmington, DE 19804.