Edward & Belle Rudoy

In 1922, at the age of twelve, Edward Rudoy, his parents, and his sister, Ida, escaped the Russian pogroms against the Jews and emigrated to the West. Their journey was long and dangerous, but they were assisted by strangers who risked their own lives along the way. Many years later, as a young man starting a family and beginning a business in Oshkosh, Edward was in debt, but went to the bank and took out yet another loan in order to give the money to charity to fulfill an obligation he felt throughout his life to help others as he and his family were helped.

During his life in Oshkosh, Edward became a successful businessman, ultimately as president of Sadoff and Rudoy Industries, and a community philanthropist. He served on many corporate boards and was a leader in nonprofit charities. He was most proud of his contributions to the Jewish community locally and internationally, as well as to the fields of childhood development and education. He initiated the creation of the Oshkosh YMCA and he and his wife, Belle, were major contributors to the Boys and Girls Club of Oshkosh, including the Edward and Belle Rudoy Theater in the facility. He and Belle created a scholarship endowment fund for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and another endowment fund at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. His example of civic leadership and generosity has inspired the following two generations of his family to emulate his example.

Edward Rudoy passed away at the age of 96 on July 25, 2007. His wife proceeded him in death, passing at the age of 91 on May 11, 2007.