Date: Fri 08-Aug-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Charles-Rudolph-bus-driver

Full Text:

Generations Of School Bus Riders Will Miss "Uncle Charlie"

BY STEVE BIGHAM

If you ever rode bus number 16 during your grade school days you surely

remember "Uncle Charlie," the popular owner-operator who had a wave and a

smile for everyone.

Charles Rudolph, who died last week at age 70, is remembered for his outgoing,

boisterous style which he always took with him as he traveled Newtown's roads

at the helm of his big, yellow bus.

"Charlie had a heart of gold. He was so well liked by everyone, and he'll be

sadly missed," said School Transportation Director Mary Kelly. "If you met

Charlie, you remembered Charlie."

Mr Rudolph was a Newtown resident for nearly 50 years and lived at 24 South

Main Street. He is survived by his wife, Joan Kocian Rudolph, and by his

children - Charles Rudolph, Jr, of Woodbury, Chris Rudolph of New Milford and

Elizabeth Koschel of Newtown. He also had two step-daughters, seven

grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several aunts and uncles.

Those who knew Mr Rudolph quickly saw past his rough exterior and saw the

gentleman inside. At times, friends say, the longtime Newtown resident came

across as a bit grouchy, but inside he was all heart. Friends said he wore his

heart on his sleeve and always remembered your name.

"He'd do anything for you," said one local bus driver.

At Christmas time, "Uncle Charlie" put on his Santa Claus outfit and greeted

children with a candy cane and a "Ho, Ho, Ho." He also wore a leprechaun

outfit on St Patrick's Day. It was his way of showing the kids how much he

cared.

Despite turning 70, Mr Rudolph was still driving up until this past year and

was planning to drive again in September. His daughter, Beth, is expected to

take over the bus route.

"If anyone broke down, Charlie was the first one on the airwaves saying,

`Where are you, I'll be right down to help you,'" said Mrs Kelly.

Mr Rudolph was also known for his love of shopping. He collected coupons and

was always stopping at tag sales.

Prior to driving a school bus, he had been a member of the Newtown Police

Department and served as the town's first constable.

He grew up in Easton and once worked as a service manager at Liberty Garage

(formerly of Newtown).

Deborah Mesinger of the Parks & Recreation Department was one of the thousands

of children who rode old number 16 to school. In fact, it was on Mr Rudolph's

bus that she met her future husband, Joseph.

"He used to call up my mother and say, `Debbie's been kissing that boy on my

bus again,'" she remembered.

Mr Rudolph served in the US Navy and was a member of the local Veterans of

Foreign Wars.