Rudolph “Rudy” Richard Valiska Jr.

Rudolph Richard Valiska Jr. (Rudy) was born October 11th 1940 to Rudolph Valiska Sr. and Mary Hashtak Valiska (Mackie). He was raised on Goldenrod Street in the 31st ward section of Pittsburgh. He spent many summers and a few years in Virginia working hard on his father's family farm and later joined the army where he was a cook.

Rudy was a hard worker. He wore many hats in his years of employment until he retired way into his 70's. He worked as a guard at the Park Arena roller rink, bartender at the Duquesne Golf Club, Thompson Club, Hess's Bar, managed his own place for a little aptly named "Rudy's" just to name a few. He also worked for the Allegheny County Coroner's Office, the Allegheny County Jail, US Steel Duquesne Works as plant protection, drove for Access, custodian for Saint Michael's Church/school, and later Steel Valley School District, a school crossing guard and called bingo on Tuesdays in the 70's and early 80's.

Rudy was known for his deep voice and gruff exterior. Deep down Rudy was a big softie. Once while driving for Access he came to his daughter and asked her for a purse for one of his passengers because hers broke.

During the Christmas season, Santa enlisted Rudy's help. Rudy received a telegram from the North Pole asking if he would help the "Big Guy" out at the Duquesne Golf Club. Santa (Aka Rudy) flew in on a helicopter one year and another year on a fire truck. Rudy continued to help Santa out, for other businesses and community organizations for several years. Being Santa brought great joy to him and made his family proud.

Rudy also was always there to lend a helping hand; he once saved his next-door neighbor's life by performing CPR.

Rudy took a break from all that hard work Father's Day week to go fishing in Canada with his friends, his son, and eventually his grandson.

One of Rudy's best moments as a custodian at Steel Valley was being able to push his broom across the stage in one of the school musicals.

Rudy is survived by his wife Marie Valiska of Munhall, His daughter Robin (Rick) Mercuri of West Mifflin, Daughter Michele Valiska (Bill Arnfeld) of Munhall, son Michael Valiska (Audrey) of West Mifflin. Grandchildren Charlotte and Connor Valiska, sister J Elaine Russo (Andy deceased) of Lewes De. And nieces Tiffany Russo Audas of Bethesda MD. And Tara Russo of Lewes De.

The Valiska family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Jefferson Hospital (5 East & 4 North) for all of their support and care.

As per Rudy's wishes (and he yelled this) there will be no viewing or services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rudy's memory to: 

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (118V-A)
1010 Delafield Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15215

All arrangements are private and handled by the George Irvin Green Funeral Home, Inc. in Munhall.