Rudy Alexander DeAngelis

Rudy DeAngelis, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed community member, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, in Sarasota, FL. Born and raised in Waterbury, CT, Rudy was the beloved son of parents who immigrated from Italy and grew up in a close-knit family that celebrated their heritage and accomplishments with pride.  

After graduating from Crosby High School in 1954, Rudy continued his studies at the University of Connecticut, where he was a proud member of Sigma Chi Alpha and earned a degree in Business Administration in 1958. It was during his senior year at UConn that he met Ellen, the love of his life, whom he married and with whom he shared a deep and enduring love for 64 years.

After college, Rudy began a position as a Production Control Specialist at Timex Corporation in Middlebury, CT, while he earned an advanced degree in accounting at night from Quinnipiac University.  It would turn out to be the only company he ever worked for, as a penchant for numbers, a strong work ethic, and a natural charisma helped propel his career at Timex. He dedicated 37 years to the company, rising to the role of Chief Financial Officer in 1987. Rudy also served as an officer on the Board of Directors of Bank of Boston.

Rudy and Ellen settled in Watertown, CT, where they raised their three children and became integral parts of their community. Despite his busy career, Rudy found time for charitable work, serving on the Board of the local chapter of Easter Seals and being an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Waterbury. He was a long-time member of the Watertown Golf Club, and the family has countless fond memories of spending time with their friends and extended family during their time in Connecticut.  

Upon retirement, Rudy and Ellen split time between their homes in Niantic, CT and Sarasota, FL, where they established deep friendships and remained active with golf, tennis and their community.  Rudy served as Treasurer of his condo association at Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, was an active member of the Stoneybrook Men’s Golf Association and played a key role in introducing bocce to the Stoneybrook community.

Rudy’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a doting grandfather, affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren. Known for his playful nature, his generosity and his sound advice, he was a central presence within the family and his departure from this world will undoubtably leave a void. But his spirit will live on in the hearts of his children and grandchildren, and in the many friends who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen, and their three children, Stephen DeAngelis (Cynthia) of East Hampton, CT, Susan Emery (Kevin) of Westerly, RI, and Robert (Keri) of Westwood MA, and his grandchildren Matthew, Ryan, Luke, Sofia and Abi.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, FL on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any charitable donations be made in Rudy’s memory to the Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute (fcsf.org/ways-to-help/donate) or to Tidewell Hospice House (tidewellfoundation.org).