Rudolph R. Zulch Jr.'s Obituary
A beloved father (Niatay), Grandfather (Grampy, Grumpy, Grumpbug), and friend ("Rich," "Rudy," "Dick") passed on December 29, 2024. To summarize such an abundant, multi-faceted life of 91 years is impossible, but here I shall try:
Rudolph Richard Zulch, Jr. was born at Nathan Littauer Hospital to Rudolf and Mary (Ferreira) Zulch on July 6, 1933. Gloversville, NY, where a young Rudy was born and raised, considered the southern foothills of the Adirondacks, afforded he and his peers such fun as tobogganing, cinematic escapades at the local theatre, train-hopping, and scoldings from the local beat cops.
Circumstances led dad to move to Milwaukee, WI., Boston, MA., and Salem, MA., where he was a Salem High School graduate. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Dad went on to become a machinist at Pratt & Whitney for many years, retiring in 1994. Not one to sit on his laurels, after retirement, Dad didn't exactly retire. He was the owner/operator of Monson Power Equipment Repair, where he served the local community's yard equipment needs. He modestly claimed to be a Jack of All Trades, King of Nothing, but we were always left to believe there was nothing he couldn't do, and do well.
While dad was an enterprising, hard-working provider, he always was there for his family. He enjoyed taking us to trips to Salem, Newport, and Ocean Beach in New London, CT. We would read the comics in the mornings, and the classics before bedtime. He was never opposed to a game of catch in the backyard. We enjoyed many bike rides, particularly on the East Bay Bike Path in Rhode Island. We'd have sing-a-longs in the car, particularly to songs of the 40's and 50's. Delicious pot roast dinners in the cooler months, family barbeques in the warmer ones. He and I would even pseudo-ballroom dance in the living room! Besides all the fun and adventure, most important to Dad was instilling certain values in his children: respect for ourselves and others, self-discipline, a strong work ethic, and an interest in politics and the world around us. He taught us determination and cheerful sacrifice.
Dad, as soft-spoken as he generally was, could be stern and stubborn, but he maintained a warmth and great sense of humor right until the very end. I will miss his smile, his laugh. I'll miss asking him how he's doing, to inevitably get the response of, "lousy, but everything's normal" I will miss him enveloping me in his arms when I was sick or sad, or just because. I am so glad "I love you" was always freely said. As "old-school" as he was, he was never one to throw his affection for his children and grandchildren to the wayside. He was our rock. Now, our rock is gone, onto greener pastures, free of the limitations of old age. Our rock is gone, but will never be forgotten, and will always be so very loved.
Dad is survived by 6 children, David, Donald, Michelle, Holly, Eric, and his caretaker and "daddy's little girl," Danielle. He is also survived by 11 treasured grandchildren, T.J., Brendan, Christopher, Tyler, Michael, Andrew, Elrych, Joe, John, Gianna, and Josiah. He is survived, as well, by great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother, Ernest Gamelin, and beloved grandson, Ryan Szafranski.
Per dad's wishes, there will be no services.
"Keep smiling, even if it hurts."
To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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