Obituary of Rudi Leparik

Rudi Leparik, age 98, of Oakland, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2023.   He was born in Germany in 1925 and along with his parents, Frank and Emily Leparik, left the troubled homeland for a better life in America in 1927.   They came through Ellis Island and eventually settled in the Yorkville section of Manhattan.  He always referred to his home as “Sixteen Seventy” since their address was 1670 2^nd Ave on the corner of 87^th Street.  All of Dad’s cronies growing up were known as the 87^th Street Gang. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1943 and then enlisted in the Army Air Corp to serve in World War II and was trained as a Remote-Control Turret Mechanic. He served in the Philippines until his honorable discharge from the Army in 1946.  He was always extremely proud of his service to his country.

He met his sweetheart Audrey (nee Stewart) on a blind date and was married in 1949.  They were married for 66 years.   After their first few years living in Queens NY, they moved to the Leparik “country” home way out in newly developed Oakland, NJ in 1954 to raise their children and for him to find work as a Tool and Die machinist. He had started his career making fine jewelry in NYC, but eventually apprenticed as a machinist, loved the skill work, and made it his lifelong career until his retirement in 1991 from Plantronics Seals in Clifton, NJ.  He and Audrey lived in Oakland most of their married lives, where they raised their children, worked, retired, and enjoyed many vacations to beach locations up and down the Atlantic Coast.  They got to explore all of Florida visiting retired friends, toured National Parks of the west, visited close family in Oregon many times, and even cruised the Caribbean on a smaller sailboat/cruise ship.  They thoroughly enjoyed their retirement years together. 

His is survived by his loving daughter, Corinne Leparik and daughter-in-law Jodi Maslo, both of Oakland, NJ.  He is also survived by his nephew, Frank Leparik (Denise) and his family, Teresa Leparik (wife of deceased nephew Paul Leparik) and her family, and his best friend from Oakland, Nick Hudak, who helped care for him the last few years. He has been Uncle Rudi and Grandpa Rudi to many youngsters in the family and dear friends families.   He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Audrey in 2015, his son Gerald in 1982, and his younger brother Gerhardt in 1985.   He was a wonderful husband, father, friend, and a proud veteran. He was a great man of the greatest generation and will be missed by many. Visiting  hours Thursday July 20, 2023 3-7 P.M. at the Oakland Memorial Home 330 Ramapo Valley Road Oakland, NJ. Funeral Liturgy Friday July 21, 2023 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C. Church 117 Franklin Avenue Oakland, NJ. Burial with Military Honors George Washington Memorial Park Paramus, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the “American Legion NJ Post 0369” and mail to P.O. box 274, Oakland, NJ  07436. Thank you in advance.