Rudolph "Rudy" Zakrajsek, 95, of Warren, passed away at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Community Skilled Nursing Center in Warren with his family by his side after a period of declining health.

Rudy was born on April 2, 1918 the son of the late John and Mary (Kushar) Zakrajsek on the southside of Warren, known as the "Bottom."  He was a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School.

Rudy and his two brothers, John and Joe joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he assisted in building roads and bridges. Rudy enlisted into the United States Navy Armed Guard on April 15, 1942.  He served his country proudly during World War II aboard the U.S.A.T. Evangeline as a Boatswain's Mate Second Class.  He served abroad in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, European Theater Star, Victory Medal and the American Area Asiatic-Pacific Commendation Ribbon and was honorably discharged on November 2, 1945.

In 1948, he and his brother Louis "Butch" Zakrajsek, started the Veterans Coal Company.  A few years later, they went into the excavating business and successfully ran Veteran Excavating for 52 years.  Rudy was a skilled backhoe operator and dug hundreds of basements and installed sewers and water lines.  He retired in 2000 at the age of 80.

Rudy was a charter member of St. William Catholic Church, where he served as head usher.  He also belonged to the Naimes Club and Golden Agers of the church.  Rudy successfully coached the St. William's softball and basketball teams for many years taking them too many State Championships.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7491 of St. Williams Church and the VFW Post 2662 in Warren.

He enjoyed raising and selling Christmas trees, sharing his wisdom on gardening and caring for his fruit orchard.  Rudy enjoyed his weekly card club where he made many good friends and memories.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Rudy was married on October 23, 1948 to the former Anne M. Hadick and they were married for 53 years until her passing on September 3, 2002 and they shared the love of five children; Kathleen (Bernie) Novotny of Howland, Mary (Bob) Costello of Howland, Rudolph "Rudy" (Joyce) Zakrajsek, Jr. of Howland, Debbie (Terry)  Coyle of Boardman and Cyndi (Harry) Hawkes of Hunting Valley; eleven grandchildren Jeff and Beth Novotny, Carrie (Ryan) Schaefer, Chrissie (Rob) Eshenbaugh, Kevin Costello, Daniel, Matthew, Michael and David Zakrajsek and Lauren and Harry Hawkes; 3 great grandchildren Mason Eshenbaugh, Morgan and Miller Schaefer and a soon to be great grandson Eshenbaugh.  He is also survived by a brother Adolph "Joe" Zakrajsek and a sister Mary (Frank) Holko and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, Anne, Rudy was preceded in death by two brothers John and Louis "Butch" Zakrajsek and a sister Jennie Zakrajsek.

Calling hours will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Sinchak & Sons Funeral Home and also on Monday, March 24, 2014 from 12:30 p.m. until 1:20 p.m. at the church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Fr. Michael D. Balash officiating at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2014 in St. William Catholic Church 5431 Mahoning Ave NW, Warren, Ohio 44483.

Burial will follow with full military honors in All Souls Cemetery in Cortland.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions take the form of donations in Rudy's name to the VFW Post 2662 c/o Quarter Master Dave Barson 8882 Sherwood Dr NE Warren, Ohio 44484