Rudolph Stolar

Rudolph “Rudy” Stolar, 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, at his home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Born on April 12, 1927, in Ambridge, Pennsylvania,Rudy was the second oldest of 13 siblings. A proud veteran, Rudy joined the United States Navy Reserve in 1945 during the final months of World War II. He served aboard the USS Princeton and achieved the rank of Yeoman Third Class before receiving an Honorable Discharge.

Following his military service, Rudy pursued his passion for art and design by enrolling at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. After graduating, he began a long and dedicated career with Mathews International. Over the course of 47 years, he worked as a draftsman and plant manager, earning respect for both his technical skill and leadership.

Rudy’s life was rich with interests that brought him joy and connection. In his youth he excelled as a fastpitch softball pitcher and remained active throughout his life as an avid bowler and fisherman. He was deeply involved in his community as President of the Overbrook Boys Club where he helped foster camaraderie and mentorship among local youth. A talented artist beyond his professional work, Rudy found creative expression in many forms.

He was also a passionate sports fan who especially loved cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some of his fondest memories were made at Canadohta Lake where he cherished time spent with family at his belovedcottage. At home in Pittsburgh, Rudy enjoyed hosting family and friends at his personal bar—a place filled with laughter and stories shared across generations.

Above all else, Rudy will be remembered as a man who lived fully with warmth and dedication to those around him. He was a loving son to Jessie and Frank Stolar (both deceased), and a caring brother to Helen Pfenninger, Frank Jr., Rosemarie Meyers, Irene Spath,George, Henry, Daniel, and James—all of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his sistersAlice Abbott, Catherine DiGregory and Marion Jurczyk, and brother Tom.

Rudy was preceded in death by two beloved wives: Sylvia Stolar (Zielinski) and Norine Stolar (Gabert). He was a proud father to Gerard (Rebecca) Stolar, Patricia (Richard – deceased) Demharter, David (Kelly) Stolar, and Victoria (Scott) Kaminski. His legacy continues through his grandchildren—Jennifer, Sabastian, David (deceased), Gregory, Michael, Nicholas, Kaeli, Hayden, Evan, and Nathan—and great-grandchildren—Reese, Deegan, Riley, Taylor, Elouise, Sylvia, Theodore, and Remi.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers—Kierston, Radhika, Daquita, Angel, Sheryl, and Linda—as well as to the nurses from Bridges Hospice for their compassionate care during Rudy’s final days.

A Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at FREYVOGEL- SLATER FUNERAL DIRECTORS (412-835-1860) , 112 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park 15241 from  2:00 - 4:00 PM and from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will follow on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Resurrection Parish, St. Thomas More Church in Bethel Park. A military graveside service will be held afterward at Saint Adalbert Cemetery in Carrick.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.  

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