March 14, 1917 in Syracuse, NY, he was the son of Bernard and Lee Rudolph. He graduated from
Nottingham High School and the University of of Pennsylvania. He was an accomplished golfer and captain
of his high school basketball team. He served in the Army during WW II .He lived in Sarasota for over 40
years.
He was married to Edith Besdin for 65 years .He was predeceased by his wife, Edith, his sisters Charlotte
and Sara Lee . He is survived by his two sons Ronald (and Ann) and Richard , five grandchildren Randi
(Peter) Shaw, Nell (Chris) Davis, Philip (Kelly) Rudolph, Benjamin (Caroline) Rudolph, Lesley (Jon)
Philipson and 5 greatgrandchildren.
In 1964, he founded Jay B. Rudolph, Inc., operating fine jewelry departments in major department stores
including Bloomingdale’s , Dayton’s and Hudson’s. Previously, he was president of Rudolph’s Jewelersa
retail jewelry chain with 40 stores throughout upstate New York.
He devoted much of his time to Jewish causes including the establishment of a Chair in Judaic Studies at
Syracuse University named in honor of his father, B. G. Rudolph and a Chair in Judaic Studies at New
College of Florida. He served as Chair of the Syracuse Jewish Federation Campaign , and started the
Endowment Fund in 1984 for Temple Beth Israel in Sarasota. In his later years, enjoyed several hobbies;
photography, poetry, nature and gardening.
Contributions can made to Temple Beth Israel Endowment Fund Longboat Key Florida, or the Judaic
Studies programs at Syracuse University or New College of Florida.
A Memorial service will be held at Congregation Schaarai
Zedek on Wednesday, May 27 at 2pm located at 3303 W Swann Avenue.
A Memorial service will be held at the Sarasota Bay Club on
Monday May 25 at 11am located at 1301 N Tamiami Trail.
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