Rudolph V. "Rudy" Muolo's Obituary
Rudolph “Rudy” Valentino Muolo, 98, of Syracuse, NY and Estero, FL passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs. Rudy was born in Syracuse, New York, the son of Grace (Fina) and Joseph Muolo. He was a United States Navy Veteran and served in WWII. While in the Navy, he was stationed in Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan, China and San Francisco, California. He was a platoon leader at basic training in Sampson, NY and was a lifeguard, swim instructor and member of the Navy base basketball team. Rudy was employed at General Electric for 32 years. He worked primarily as a master craftsman making models of sonar/radar equipment along with many other projects. He met the love of his life, Lillian (Orsini) at a dance where he swept her off her feet and they were married for 56 wonderful years until her untimely death from cancer in 2007. Rudy was a fantastic dancer and he and Lil spent many enjoyable hours at the Lamplighter Dance Club with family and friends. Rudy was an active member of the Italian American Club and Valley Men's Club.
He was a devoted family man and an avid golfer getting two hole-in-ones and continued his love of swimming into his 90s. Everyone knew and loved Rudy. He could fix or build anything, and he had an endless supply of tools in his barn and car because "you never knew if you needed a set of pliers." Rudy moved to Florida in 2020 to an assisted living facility to be near his family where he continued to be the friendliest ambassador at American House, where he participated in all activities. He was a favorite among the entire staff and residents. Rudy was also a Syracuse University basketball fan and loved the New York Yankees. He was a devoted church usher all his life at Lady of Lourdes and Holy Family parishes.
Along with his parents and his wife, Rudy was predeceased by his bothers, Dominic, Cosimo and Joseph.
He is survived by his two devoted daughters, Cheryl (Dennis) Weller, and Lisa (Larry) Hayes and two grandchildren, Catherine and Michael, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 10:00 – 10:45 A.M. in Holy Family Church, immediately followed by a funeral Mass in celebration of Rudy’s life at 11:00 A.M. in the church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Rudy will be laid to rest with military honors in St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, Dewitt.
Rudy participated in the Honor Flight Network which flies veterans to Washington D.C. to share a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. This was a very moving experience for him. With that in mind and his love for building, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Tunnel to Towers Foundation t2t.org.
What’s your fondest memory of Rudolph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rudolph?
Share a story where Rudolph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rudolph you’ll never forget.
How did Rudolph make you smile?
