Rudolph Cola
1923-2010
Born: Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: Paoli, Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA
1923-2010
Born: Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: Paoli, Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA
<div><font size="3">RUDOLPH ALEXANDER "Rudy" COLA </font> | Visit Guest Book </div><div style="display: none"> </div><div><div><br></div>COLA <p align="center"></p>RUDOLPH "Rudy" ALEXANDER, age 87, of Malvern, PA passed away on Friday, August 27, 2010 at Paoli Hospital. <br>Born February 17, 1923 in Phila., PA. Son of the late Benedetto and Laura Cola. Grew up in the Fairhill section of Phila. during the Great Depression. Married to his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Margaret McDonough, and proud father of six. <br>Graduated from Olney High School, Class of 1942. Signed Professional Contract with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1942. Enlisted in the <font color="#034e83">U.S. Air Force</font> from 1943 - 1946, stationed in the South Pacific - China, India, and Okinawa. Decorated veteran. Entered Villanova University in 1948 on a baseball scholarship and graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1952. Worked on first computers (ENIAC) at Univ. of Pennsylvania. MS Physics during 1959. Rudy then passed new air pollution control regulations as a member of the Philadelphia Air Pollution Control Board in the 1960's. Also coached Little League Baseball and Biddy Basketball. He was Physicist at Burroughs from 1952-1983. 23 patents which went into production such as; Cathode ray tubes early lasers, light emitting diodes for displays, flat panel plasma displays for computers and TVs. Worked as engineering consultant for many years in the area of flat panel displays. Eucharistic Minister for Saint Patrick's Church in Malvern bringing communion to those who could not make it to church. One on one teachers support for a young man with a brain injury for 9 years where he developed custom software applications to assist with his learning. Rediscovered physical fitness late in life along with a group of close friends with whom he truly enjoyed an active life. Avid Villanova and Phila. Professional Sports Fan. Cherished vacationing with his family and friends at his home in Wildwood, NJ. Loved all music but particularly Big Band music, which he collected. Enjoyed all forms of work whether it was engineering or working around the house.<br>Rudy is survived by his wife Mary, and 5 children; Rita Carroll of Malvern, Kathy McMurtrie of Charlestown Township, Michael Cola of Chester Springs, Robert Cola of Pennsburg, and Mark Cola of Malvern, 12 grandchildren: Kristen McMurtrie, Michael Carol, Marybeth Carol, Laura Cola, Emily McMurtrie, Rachel McMurtrie, Meredith Cola, Matt McMurtrie, Eric Cola, Will Cola, Lauren Cola, Jason Cola and brothers Fredrick, Raymond, and Benjamin Cola. <br>He was preceded in death by his parents Benedetto and Laura Cola, sister Marion, and daughter Maria.<br>Rudolph's Life Celebration Services will be held Tuesday Aug. 31 at St. Patrick Church, 104 Channing Ave., Malvern, PA with a Visitation 10 to 11:30 A.M. followed by Funeral Mass 11:30 AM. Int. Holy Sepulchre Cem., Cheltenham Ave. and Easton Rd., Glenside, PA. In lieu of flowers please direct donations to St. Pio Museum and Culture Center, 2213 Old Route 100, Barto, PA, 19504. <br>Arrangements by <strong>MAUGER-GIVNISH LIFE CELEBRATION HOME 610-644-2240</strong> <!-- --></div><div><div style="float: ; font-weight: bold">Published in Philadelphia Inquirer & Philadelphia Daily News on August 29, 2010 </div></div>