Rudy never married, he worked as manager of Halicki's Garage, a business founded by his father in 1919, and received numerous awards for sales as a Packard and Studebaker dealer. In 1989 the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame awarded him its highest honor for his pioneering designs and construction of recovery equipment. During the pre-war tear-down at ALCO, he saved the Neptune statue from demolition and donated it to the city of Dunkirk. It stood for many years as the centerpiece of a fountain in Washington Park and is presently displayed at the Natatorium at Fredonia State. Rudy was also involved in the construction of a stainless steel cross that stood for many years on the shore at Holy Cross Seminary and which is presently at St. Mary's Cemetery. He served in the Army achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. After the war he served as a Town of Dunkirk constable and councilman for many years and was the Dunkirk Town Justice from 1967 to 2000. In 1995, the Town Hall was named after him in honor of his service and for all of his efforts beyond his official duties. He was the oldest surviving charter member of the East Town Fire Department and its second Fire Chief. He was also actively involved in the fire hall's construction and housed the fire trucks at Halicki's Garage until the hall's completion in 1950. He was a member of the Chautauqua County Deputy Sheriff's Association since 1949, making him the oldest and most senior member. He held the elected offices of President and Vice President. He was also a Chautauqua County deputy from 1952 to 1967, a member of the Chautauqua County Magistrates Association and a past member of the New York State Magistrates Association. Rudy was a member of the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce, the Dunkirk Fredonia Dealers Association, the Kosciuszko Club and was the oldest and longest serving member of the local Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In 2003, the Town of Dunkirk honored him, along with Sam Mancuso Sr., as Persons of the Year. In 2013, he received the distinction of being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Senator Cathy Young for his community service. He was one of 13 children. He was a friend to everyone and due to his phenomenal memory, could easily remember…just about everything.

Contributor: Kevin & Mary Ostrye (50901870)