Rudy Telek

TELEK--Rudy, 92, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2024 at the Hilltop House with his lifelong friends by his side. He was born on September 20, 1932 in Conemaugh, Pennsylvania to the late Frank and Anna (Kali) Telek who both emigrated from Czechoslovakia in the early 1900s. Rudy was a graduate of Johnstown Central Catholic High School where he was a star quarterback, playing against the legendary Johnny Unitas. Rudy got the bragging rights to that story, because he and the team won the game. He joined the US Army during the Korean War and served his country as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft Bragg, NC. After his honorable discharge, Rudy went to college on a football scholarship to Potomac State College in Keyser, WV. He was later inducted into their Hall of Fame, an achievement he was so honored to receive. In 1960, he attained his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Shepherd College where he was also a standout baseball player. While awaiting an interview with the FBI, Rudy’s good friend, Walter Barr, found what would be the “perfect” job for him. Rudy began his teaching career in Berryville, Virginia in the Clarke County school system as a history teacher. But his true calling came a year or two later when he was asked to be the assistant football coach for Clarke County High School. It was there that he shined the brightest. His team went undefeated for 5 years in a row, but this was only the start for Rudy. He made connections with his players that went well beyond the football field. Their friendships continued long after high school and most until the day he died. He made a profound impact on all their lives. To this day, they continue to call him “Coach,” as a sign of respect and admiration. To them he was not only their teacher, their coach, but a friend, a mentor, a big brother, a surrogate father- a man they could trust, knowing he would help in any way he could. The Clarke County High School Class of 1965 dedicated their class yearbook to him as a tribute to what he meant to them and continued to invite him to all their reunions! When Rudy was being sworn into the Army, he met a famous jockey named Bill Hartack, who sparked his interest in horses. Rudy would later become part of the horseracing industry, owning several horses with his good friend, Willie Walters. His second home became the Charles Town Racetrack. It is there he met his lifelong friend, Mr. Dickie Moore. Although the horseracing lasted 25 years, this friendship has lasted well over 50 years. Rudy was an integral part of the Berryville/Winchester community. For his contributions and commitment to the area, he was inducted into the Clarke County Hall of Fame. Because he was so well liked and respected by everyone, his friends chose to honor him, with a “Rudy Telek Day” where people from all over the surrounding areas came to celebrate him and share stories about their good friend. In his “retirement” years, Rudy worked as a bartender at the local VFW, making more friends to share memories with. He soon met another man, Jerry Bosserman, who became one of his best friends. The 20+ year age difference was not a deterrent. If you were lucky enough to become Rudy’s friend, you were his friend for life. Faith, Family, and Friends—3 words that embody what meant the most to Rudy. He was a devout Catholic, a man of great faith and conviction. He was a member of St. Bridget of Ireland Catholic Church in Berryville where he attended regularly until his health declined. Rudy was a family man with over 20 nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and will miss him every day. He filled in the gap for many of them who had lost their own fathers years ago. He took the time to know us, share stories of the past, and ask us about our families. He formed a special relationship with his great nephew, Evan, talking every weekend and sharing football stories. He kept every Christmas card he was sent. And as for his friends, they were his family too, each and every one of you should know how much your friendship meant to him. To know Rudy was a privilege. He was a kind yet strong man who never spoke ill of anyone. He was a person we all should attempt to emulate in our own lives. Rudy leaves behind an abundance of people whose lives have been touched by him, please continue to share your memories with each other and smile. He would want it that way. Rudy is survived and loved by his sister, Irene Bradley of Albuquerque, NM: his sister-in-law, Leona Telek of Johnstown, PA; many nieces and nephews, including his special great-nephew, Evan Peel; best friends, Dickie Moore and Jerry Bosserman; as well as many other special friends. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Pauline Damico, Ann Keytack, and Mary Danyluk, and two brothers, William Telek and Peter Telek. He was also preceded in death by his longtime companion, Frances Dodson. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday September 30, 2024 at St. Bridget of Ireland Catholic Church, Berryville with Father Paul Grankauskas. Burial will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church Cemetery, Conemaugh, Pennsylvania, with Rev. Dr. Robert F. Oravetz officiating and military graveside rites by Menoher VFW, Post #155. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Enders & Shirley Funeral Home, Berryville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Bridget of Ireland Catholic Church, 1024 W. Main Street, Berryville, VA 22611. To send online condolences please visit www.endersandshirley.com or www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. The Telek family is being served locally by Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, 229-231 First St., Conemaugh.