Rudolph (Rudy) Louis Lucente passed away at his Lansdale, PA home on September 18, 2017 at the age of 98. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Judith Lucente.
Rudy’s legacy is a brilliant tapestry of perseverance, success, and family. He was born in South Philadelphia at 27th and Morris Streets in 1919. He was a first-generation Italian American citizen who exemplified the ideals of hard work and family. He is predeceased by his parents Luciano and Rose as well as his siblings Carmen, Theresa, Nicholas, Norma, and Robert.
He graduated from South Philadelphia High School and was commissioned to join the war efforts in the aerospace engineering arena. In 1944, Rudy was a founding member of the Naval Air Development Center in Warminster, PA. This role evolved to the formation of his company, AMPAC, and a 75-year contracting relationship with the U.S. Navy. The company’s focus moved to the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River where Rudy continued to hire the sharpest industry minds and perform as a master of analysis. With great pride, Rudy remained active with AMPAC alongside his son Rudy Lucente Jr.
Rudy approached life with energy, mindfulness, and faith. He learned to play the violin in his seventies, voraciously read factual information, participated in the coast guard auxiliary, and enjoyed 21 Cadillacs over the years. He was an accomplished cook who supplied friends and family with the comfort of his dishes that he always declared as “a good batch.” Rudy was happiest at his home at the shore and while spending time with his beloved family.
He will be remembered by his sister Geraldine Franchi and his five children: Rudy Lucente (Clare), Gloria Cascarino (Pat), Jennifer Raquet (Mark), Diana Vit (Paul), and Sondra Goettelmann (Gunnar). His pride and joy as a Pop Pop included 11 grandchildren: Matthew Cascarino (Jillian), Mark Lucente (Shannon), Lisa Coia (Christopher), Nicole Cascarino, Dr. Erin Downey (Steve), Brandon Raquet, Lauren Raquet, Jillian Vit, Julia Vit, and Cooper and Myles Goettelmann. Rudy was also Great Pop to six great grandchildren: Sydney Lucente, Avery Cascarino, Wylie Cascarino, Jordan Cascarino, Madeline Coia, and Sienna Montesano.
The 9:30 a.m. visitation and 11 a.m. funeral service will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church (428 S. Main St. North Wales, PA 19454) on Friday, September 22, officiated by Seminary Rector and Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, Bishop Timothy Senior.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org or 1500 Walnut Street, Suite 301, Philadelphia PA 19102.