Rudolph E. Vlach

Turners Falls, Massachusetts
Rudolph Ernest “Rudy” Vlach, 87, of 43 Coolidge Avenue, died peacefully at home on Tuesday evening, December 23, 2014, following a period of declining health.  A native of the Town of Montague, he was born on July 5, 1927 to Vencil and Marion (Vanneck) Vlach.  Rudy was educated in Montague and Greenfield Public Schools, graduating from Greenfield High School in the Class of 1944.
As a member of the “Greatest Generation”, he entered the war effort of WWII in August of 1944, joining the USN and served as a Carpenter’s Mate 3^rd Class aboard the USS Mount McKinley, an amphibious command ship. He was honorably discharged in May of 1946 and the recipient of the WWII Victory Medal, American Area Ribbon and Asiatic Pacific Ribbon for his service. 
Upon his discharge from active duty service, he returned state side and enlisted in the 54^th Massachusetts National Guard, serving with Company B out of Greenfield and was employed as a line cook for over 20 years.  In the private sector, he worked for the Esleck Paper Company and later, for the Strathmore Paper Company as a machine tender, retiring in 1989. He enjoyed fresh water and salt water fishing, spending time with his family, in particular his grandchildren. He was a member of the former Turners Falls VFW Post.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, the former Bernice M. Dubreuil, whom he married on November 17, 1963.  Additionally, he leaves 3 children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews to cherish his memory.  He was predeceased by 1 son and by his two siblings. 
Funeral services will be observed on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM from Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA, with Rev. Fr. Stanley J. Aksamit, Pastor as the Celebrant.  Rites of committal and burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Turners Falls, MA with full military honors to be observed.  A detachment of the USN will be in attendance, assisted by the Hale-Clapp VFW Post #3295, of South Deerfield, MA providing a firing detail.  Visiting hours are omitted. 
Expressions of affection in the form of a charitable donation in Rudy’s name are encouraged in lieu of flowers to the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01001 or to the Montague Veteran’s Memorial Fund, #1 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376 or the Hale-Clapp VFW Post #3295, in c/o of Alan Thackery, P.O. Box 248, Whately, MA 01093.  
 
 

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