Rudolph Lewis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

THE LIFE OF RUDOLPH LEWIS Rudolph Lewis, known as “Rudy” or “Dolph” was born on January 18, 1955 in Florence, South Carolina to Mabel Lee and William Henry Lewis. He came to New York at the age of 11 and became a responsible man in a hurry when circumstances called for him to step in to be the phenomenal younger (but big) brother and help his mother, where he was dedicated to maintain the household and support his younger sisters, although he was the 5th child and the baby boy. He loved his wife Michelle and his son Demetrius unconditionally, as well as his 7 brothers and sisters: Willie; Nate; Vern; Gloria; Dorothy; Brenda and Marlene. Raised in the downtown section of Brooklyn NY (Bed Stuy, etc.), Rudolph graduated from Boys High (now Boys & Girls High) in 1973. The legendary ball court “Soul In The Hole” is where Rudy balled with Bed Stuy legends and literally lost teeth doing battle in the paint exercising his athleticism. After his High School years, Rudolph started working in a clothing factory in the Garment District in lower Manhattan. Always a hard worker, Rudolph began a long career in 1978 with New York’s Board of Education as a School Safety Officer where he worked for 30 years. He received numerous commendations, medals, awards and NYPD accolades during his tenure. Rudolph retired as a Supervisor of School Safety Officers in 2016 after countless hours of dedicated overtime. Rudy was a huge sports fanatic and a die-hard fan of his favorite teams which included the New York Knicks and the NY Mets. He also enjoyed the game of Tennis and watching the top seeded players play in the majors. During his younger years Rudy and his beautiful wife Michelle were fierce competitors who loved riding in bike marathons and playing paddle ball on Brooklyn College’s handball courts. He met his wife Michelle and became a father to her son Demetrius in 1977. They married on Sept. 7, 1984. Collectively, they built a warm, long lasting, loving relationship for 38 tried and tested years. Additionally, they enjoyed any opportunity to engage with family in and out of town. To all who knew him “Rudy” was the definition of a smooth, stylish, proud, giving, kind-hearted, humble man who never showed signs of aggression or anger. His humility was real and he instinctively extended himself to anyone in need, looking for nothing in return but a good meal, sweet desert or something entertaining on T.V. He loved hard in his own silent way, no matter your appreciation of him. He took his role as father; husband; brother; uncle; friend to heart and supported nieces, nephews and any child’s dreams/aspirations. When Rudolph became ill, his medical diagnosis was the most brutal battle he was ever faced with, often resistant to help because of his pride and selflessness, in not wanting to burden anyone. He rode the illness out his way. On July 15th his battle ended. He leaves to mourn: His loving wife Michelle Gillead Lewis and son Demetrius Cull. His mother Mable Lee Lewis. Brothers: Willie Lewis (sister in-law Beth) and Nathaniel Lewis. Sisters: Gloria Duncan; Dorothy King Curry; Brenda Lewis and Marlene Nurse (brother in-law Rian). Sister In-Laws: Charlene Freeman; Annette Lewis and Carolyn Gillead. Brother In-Laws: Michael Duncan; Collin King Sr., William Lockley (wife Annie) and Gregory Montrose. A host of nieces, nephews, great- nieces; great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Rudolph was preceded in death by his Father William Henry Lewis and his Brother Edward (Vern) Lewis. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation. https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/TR/Tributes/General?px=2406813&pg=personal&fr_id=3526

Rudolph Lewis

January 18, 1955 - July 15, 2022