Rudolph "Rudy" Michlewski, Jr.

Rudolph “Rudy” Michlewski Jr., of Kingston, New York, passed away on February 25, 2023 at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, after a very brief illness. He was 73 years old. Rudy was a Kingston High School graduate (1969) and a IBEW Local 363 electrician for 50 years until his retirement. He was also a proud member of the Sons of American Legion Post 150.

Rudy was born December 8, 1949, in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Rudolph Sr. and Olga Michlewski. In 1963 the family moved to the Kingston NY area and purchased the Dew Drop Inn, a night club.  Rudy became known as “Rudy Dew Drop” as he bartended and worked in the family business.  In 1970 he met his future wifey, Dawn (Bodenweber) Michlewski. Rudy and Dawn would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this April. They have two daughters: Myra Wesk (Tom) of Concord, NC and Ashley Contzius (Ari) of Wallkill NY. His greatest joy was his four grandchildren: Keegan and Delilah Myers and Cole and Leia Contzius. Rudy is also survived by his brothers Craig Michlewski (Mary) and Franklin Bellizzi, his sister Faith Auriemmo (Frank), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

From his cherry red 56 Chevy to his SS 396 Chevelle, Rudy was a motor head par excellence.  He could rebuild or swap an engine seemingly blind folded. He was currently planning a new project with a Cadillac Eldorado.

At all times Rudy had an acerbic sense of humor and would continually crack up anyone within earshot.  His humor would continually get him into trouble with teachers and people in authority, like his wife.  Usually, his intelligence and wit would carry the day.       

Rudy’s true love was his family, but his passion was music. Every type of Pop music from Do Wop to Hendrix and from Jerry Lee to Lake Street Dive, all were on his play list.  His collection of 45’s swallowed rooms of his house. He carried his music wherever he went via phone and boom box.  Somewhere in the great cosmos the soundtrack just got a little louder and a little better. 

He is entrusted into the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY where family and friends may visit on Saturday March 4^th from 10 am-1 pm, with a funeral service at 1 pm. Following the service, burial will be at Wiltwyck Cemetery, West O’Reilly St, Kingston, NY.