Rudolph P. Russo, 87, died unexpectedly on April 6, 2017 in Tucson, AZ.

Born in Flushing on March 12, 1930, to Santo and Santina (Muzzicato) Russo, Rudy graduated from Pawling High School and continued on to earn a BA in political science from Manhattan College. After graduating from Columbia Law School in 1953, he enlisted in the US Navy, attended Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, and served as an Airborne Combat Intelligence Officer. He was a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserves for many years.

He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1957 and has practiced law in Dutchess County for 60 years. Mr. Russo developed a keen interest in politics and public policy as a town judge and as the attorney for the towns of Beekman and Pawling. He was Chairman and attorney of the Dutchess County Legislature and also the attorney for Dutchess Community College.

From 1994 to 2003 he was the Chairman and CEO of Colorocs Information Technologies, an Atlanta company that developed cutting edge color imaging technology. He helped the company patent several aspects of this innovative technology and then licensed these patents to major manufactures of color printers and copiers.

In 2014, he was elected as a member of the Board of Directors of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company where he served on the Trust and the Audit committees.

Rudy was an avid sports fan. He played baseball in high school and was always ready for a pickup basketball game. He constantly astounded his friends with his vast knowledge of sports trivia. As an adult he honed his tennis game and spent many enjoyable hours with his tennis partners at the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club.

Rudy is survived by Nancy Rubsam, his beloved companion of many years, and by his daughters, Julie Kernodle and husband Kenneth of Longview, WA, Jean Atkinson of Tucson, AZ, Katherine Russo and wife L. Clark also of Tucson and by his sons Stephen and wife Cindy of Poughkeepsie and Michael and wife Keri of Tucson. He is blessed with eleven grandchildren: Michael, Andrea, Katie, Alyssa, Stephanie, Sydney, Dylan, Jared, Ashley, William and Elizabeth, three siblings: Carmela Russo of Poughquag, Agnes Treacy of Fishkill and Nicholas Russo and wife Nancy of Red Hook, and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean (Wallace), and his daughter, Patricia.

Nancy Rubsam will receive Rudy’s friends and family members at the couple’s home on Thursday, April 27 from 5 to 7 pm.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 28 from 4 to 7 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A memorial service will be offered on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 10 am at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, followed by interment with military honors in the family plot at St. Denis Cemetery.

There will be a Celebration of Rudy’s Life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rudy’s honor to Manhattan College Scholarship Fund, 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Riverdale, NY 10471. Attention Thomas Mauriello, Vice President or to Cardinal Hayes Home, PO Box CH, St. Joseph Drive, Millbrook, NY 12545-0140. Please visit Rudy's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.