Rudolph F. Rasic

RUDOLPH FREDERICK RASIC, age 97, twice blessed by his wife, the late Mary (nee DiLiddo) and his companion, the late Elinore Brundula; loving father of Elizabeth Zackowski (husband David, deceased), Theresa Sandy (husband John), Bart (wife Anne), and the late Robert; devoted grandfather of Raymond (wife Elanor) and Paul Zackowski, and Jessica Sandy; cherished son of the late John and Helen Rosich; dear brother of Vera (Ed Silverman, deceased), and the late Anne Kelly, John (wife Edith, deceased), Pete (wife Marge, deceased), Tom (Jean, deceased), Milan (wife Violet, deceased), and Richard (wife Angie, deceased).

Rudolph Frederick Rasic was born on October 5, 1925 and passed away February 20, 2023. He left the earth after a long and successful life. His maker called him home so that he could rejoin his family and loved ones on the other side of existence.

He grew up in the St. Clair neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio which was comprised of Slovenian and Croatian immigrants. Rudy was a graduate of East Tech High School.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater. Rudy was assigned to duty aboard a floating dry dock. On October 23, 1944, he was involved in the battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. This was the largest naval battle in world history involving more than 200,000 naval personnel and hundreds of ships.

After his Honorable discharge, he worked as a meat cutter apprentice before taking a job in the circulation department of the Cleveland Press and Cleveland Plain Dealer. He married Mary DiLiddo in November of 1953 at St. Philomena’s in East Cleveland. Together they were blessed with their first child Bobby in 1954, followed by Elizabeth in 1955, Theresa in 1959, and Bartholomew in 1961.

Rudy worked two jobs to support his family. He worked at the Cleveland Press from 7-4 PM and would go home for a short nap to then work at the Plain Dealer through the wee hours of the night. He worked these countless hours until the Press closed its doors. It was a wonder he found time to work at St. Stephen’s including working Bingo every Sunday night.

Rudy enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns. He and his wife Mary participated in many church activities at St. Stephen’s Byzantium Catholic Church in Euclid, OH. They later enjoyed going on cruises, including a trip to Italy.

After more than 35 years of marriage Mary passed away.

While making perogies for the Lenten season at St. Stephen’s Rudy met Elinore. The two hit it off and enjoyed a 30-year loving relationship that joined Elinore’s Slovenian family, including her son Bill and daughter in law Linda Brundula and grandson Nicholas, to Rudy’s family. Both families enjoyed many holidays and family gatherings together over those many years.

Rudy was a voracious reader including the PD, News Herald, and later the New York Times. After retirement he would work countless hours researching the latest books and articles on the economy, national politics, and religion. Passionate about these topics, he loved to debate with relatives and friends and sometimes dive into a political diatribe.

All of these views were due to his passion for the working man, because he truly knew the dedication it took. It is the passion and devotion he possessed in life that will be dearly missed.

A special thanks to Rudy’s nephews, Tom and Sarah Rosich, and Rich and Jenn Rosich for their love and many visits to see Dad at the Slovene Home, as well as to the other family members who made time to do the same. You provided Dad with a sense of normalcy and helped him remember “old times.”  He enjoyed your visits very much!

Contributions can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve or the Slovene Home for the Aged.

Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11 AM at THE FUNERAL HOME.

Burial following at All Souls Cemetery.

Family will receive family and friends for a visitation at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) SATURDAY  from 9-11 AM.