Leonard “Lenny” Rudnick of Wellington, FL and Canton, MA passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 97 1/2.
Lenny was the son of the late Solomon and Bertha Rudnick. Brother of the late Joe and Bea Rudnick and Marise Rudnick and the late Rita and Charlie Fienberg. Married to the late Mimi (Marcus) Rudnick from 1946 until her death in 1988. Beloved father of George and Judy Rudnick, and Elaine and Herb Lamb. Cherished grandfather of Stacy and Micah Pollack, Dana and Kevin Mahoney, David and Jennifer Rudnick, Jonathan and Lauren Paris, Brett and Scott Nigloschy, Brandon Lamb, and Kendra and Mike Focken. Adored great-grandfather of Miranda, Braeden, Bronwyn, Maia, Jasper, and Judah Mahoney; Taryn and Davis Lamb; Max and Jaden Pollack; Phoebe and Sage Rudnick; Eben and Lev Paris; Mackenzie and Walker Nigloschy.
Lenny grew up in Dorchester and enlisted in the Navy on his 17th birthday in 1943. He proudly served during World War II; after basic training in Newport, RI and Hospital Corp School in Portsmouth, VA, he boarded the U.S.S. Leo (AKA60) in the Philippines in 1944. Lenny was awarded two Gold Star Medals of Honor for his participation in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Upon returning home at age 19, Lenny married Mimi, the love of his life. They raised their family in Milton. Lenny ran a small hardware store, S. Rudnick and Son, with his father; eventually he opened a chain of home improvement stores called Ashmont Discount, and successfully ran them with his family for 50 years. Lenny treated his customers like friends and his employees like family.
Lenny was a strong supporter of immigrants and minorities. From a young age, he saw the way people treated his immigrant parents and dedicated his life to ensuring that everyone was treated equally and with respect, often providing them shelter and jobs.
Family always came first to Lenny. He and Mimi lived on the same street as his siblings in Milton and Nantasket and would vacation with them often. After Mimi’s death, he traveled with and visited his grandchildren in Europe, Asia and Israel. Lenny joyfully celebrated every milestone for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lenny enjoyed golf for most of his adult life and walked the course instead of using a cart into his 90’s. To the amazement of pretty much everyone, he waterskied well into his 80’s. He attributed daily exercise to the secret of his longevity.
Special thanks to his amazing caretaker Rachael, now a member of the family, for almost two years of unwavering love and support.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 6th at noon at Schlosberg Chapel, 824 Washington Street, Canton, MA, followed by burial at Sharon Memorial Park. Shiva will take place at the home of Elaine and Herb Lamb, 20 Standish Drive, Canton, immediately following interment, and again on Wednesday beginning at 1pm. Minyan at 7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jewish War Veterans, 1811 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 or the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 West Bryn Mawr Ave., #550, Chicago, IL 60631.
The Rudnick Funeral Service zoom link (see below) will be activated
at 11:45 AM
(15 minutes prior to the start of the service)
As a courtesy to the Rudnick family, it is imperative that upon entry into Zoom, kindly ensure that your microphone is properly muted, so as not to affect the audio or video stream.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5288320605?pwd=dVFjQlUzWmVDYmFhVGwwZkNVSXBLQT09&omn=86900793402
~ Thank You ~
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Mark Stillman says
February 3, 2024 at 10:26 pmLenny Rudnick was a mensch in the truest sense, an exemplary human being and a tribute to his family, his community, and his faith!
I first met Mimi, Lenny, and his family nearly 40 years ago when I cared for Mimi at the Lahey Clinic. They immediately accepted me as extended family, despite the gravity of Mimi’s condition, and I will never forget that. A native of Boston’s Jewish community in Dorchester, Lenny epitomized all that was possible growing up in the American century between the two world wars, and he exhibited determination and perseverance, intelligence and willingness to learn, generosity with his time and experience, overwhelming love for family, and an understanding of what it meant to live honorably. He and Mimi raised their family to be that way, blessing everyone they met along the way.
I was so lucky to have met him and the family. He made the world a better place! My condolences go to Lainey, George, Judy, Herb and their families.
Robert and Deborah Neal says
February 5, 2024 at 7:55 pmGeorge and family. I will always remember your dad and mom. My dad was Izzy Kaplan. The good old days of getting together at your beach house on the bay. My dad will be so glad to see Lenny again. Just thinking of all of you at this very sad time.
Don Bessette says
April 28, 2024 at 12:15 amI worked for Lenny starting in 1980 at the newest Ashmont Discount location in New Bedford MA, Lenny, as well as his son George, always made me feel like a member of their family.
Lenny was a mentor to me, guiding me through some challenging times in my young career.
His wisdom helped me to be a successful and considerate leader.
My condolences to His Family, I didn’t see the announcement, and truly regret not paying my respect in person.