Julian Rydeski Remembered As a Family Man, Brilliant Engineer

Julian Rydeski of Oakmont loved routine.

On Sunday, he followed his usual schedule and went to Giant Eagle to buy groceries. However, he was as he crossed the parking lot to get to the store.

Four days later, on Dec. 7, the 94-year-old from the accident at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He went peacefully and was surrounded by family.

His death has left a great void within the family, said granddaughter Angela Braun. Though this is a tough time, she said, it's comforting to know her grandfather lived a wonderful life.

"He was a brilliant engineer for Westinghouse Electric Company in his younger years—a company I now also work for—and a devoted family man through and through," Braun said. "He was most proud of his family. He shared everything with us."

A 60-year Oakmont resident, Rydeski was healthy, active and "unphased by the aging process," according to Braun. He bought his first cellphone last year and frequently walked around town, sporting a GPS.

"He was a staple at all of the local businesses," Braun said. "He's just so quick and intelligent. You would think skills dull as you get older, but he was an avid reader and was always building things."

Rydeski was a graduate of Carnegie Tech. He also was a World War II veteran, serving in both the United States Army Air Corps and Navy.

The proud granddaughter credits her grandfather for inspiring her to work at Westinghouse. Rydeski worked there for 30 years, and Braun currently is a nuclear communicator at the Cranberry Township headquaters.

"I interview engineers for a living," she said. "I always wanted to work at Westinghouse. My grandfather formed my career because I was always asking him questions about what he did as an engineer. I get paid to do that now."

Rydeski was Braun's date to the grand opening of the new headquarters a few years ago.

"He was so happy to be there," she said.

Rydeski is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Angela Rydeski. He was the devoted father of: John (Jerry) and his wife, Constance; Phillip and his wife, Colleen; the late Paul; and Thomas and his wife, Roslyn.

Rydeski was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: P. Thomas, James, Michael, John, Angela and Thomas II; and was a great-grandfather to Noah, James and Jillian.

Friends and relatives will be received at , 421 Allegheny Ave. in Oakmont, on Friday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass and Catholic Burial will take place at of Oakmont on Saturday, Dec. 10.

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