Rudolph J. Eschbach

Amenia, New York

Rudolph J. Eschbach, 76, a longtime resident of Amenia, NY, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018 surrounded by his family at his home in Amenia, NY.

Born on November 6, 1941 in Teaneck, NJ, he was the son of the late Henry and Therese (Doernchen) Eschbach. Rudy spent his childhood on his family’s farm in Amenia where he resided for the last 45 years. A graduate of Webutuck Central School class of 1959 and Dutchess Community College in 1961, he later returned to Empire State College to complete a degree in mechanical engineering design in 1980. He worked for IBM as a Senior Processing Engineer for 35 years, retiring in 1992. Rudy proudly served in the US Army, his four-year tour of duty included Officer Candidate School and a year of service in Vietnam as a First Lieutenant being honorably discharged in 1967. On August 24, 1968 at St. Bernard’s Church in Sharon, CT he married Virginia Kane who survives at home.

Rudy cared deeply for his town and community. He was very involved in many capacities, including serving on the Town of Amenia Planning Board, the Comprehensive Plan Committee and four years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, two years as Chairman. He co-chaired the 9/11 Fireman’s Memorial Blood Drive for five years and initiated the planning for the future community kitchen at the Amenia Town Hall. Rudy was also a trustee of the Amenia Library, a member of the Amenia Historical Society and was founder of the Amenia Farmers Market. He was also a member and past treasurer of the Lola Sherman Fund. Rudy was a longtime member of the Amenia Lions Club serving as President on two occasions and two years as Zone Chairman. He received the Amenia Lions Club Citizen of the Year award in 2015. He served on various committees at the Webutuck Central School District, including president of the Violet Simmons Scholarship Committee and Indian Rock School House Board of Directors. He also served on the Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors. After retiring from IBM, Rudy worked for the Webutuck School District as a bus driver and instructor, and he was loved by many students he drove to school and sporting events.

More than anything, Rudy loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren, working in his fields and summers at his Cape Cod home.

In addition to his loving wife, Mr. Eschbach is survived by his son, Eric Eschbach and his wife, Margaret, of Amenia, NY; two daughters, Ellen Eschbach with Robert Stair of Falls Village, CT and Kristen Lazarus and her husband, Allen, of Millerton, NY. He is also survived by a brother, Herbert Eschbach and his wife Susan of Amenia, NY and four grandchildren, Caroline and Henry Eschbach and Madeline and Duncan Lazarus.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at the Hufcut Funeral Home, 3159 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Church, 4 Lavelle Rd., Amenia, NY with Rev. R. Kent Wilson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Amenia, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Amenia Lions Club, P.O. Box 472, Amenia, NY 12501 or Immaculate Conception Church, 4 Lavelle Rd., Amenia, NY 12501. For directions or to send the family an online condolence, please visit www.hufcutfuneralhome.com

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