Philip George Rudy

Philip George Rudy

AGE: 68 • Mountain Top

Philip George Rudy, 68, of Mountain Top, died suddenly, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, after becoming ill at his store. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Philip grew up in Manville, NJ and graduated from Manville High School in 1966. After graduating from Wilkes College where he earned his Bachelors of English degree, he traveled to the University of Michigan to work with children at the Children's Psychiatric Hospital. He dreamt of being his own boss and returned to Wilkes-Barre to open Circles on the Square, a gourmet deli and gift emporium. The store has become a downtown fixture for the past 32 years and is known for Phil's daily specials, sandwiches that he personally named after family, friends, and daily events. He was a member of the Wilkes-Barre Downtown Business Association, the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Thomas Leighton in 2010, in recognition of his 25 years in business. Phil had a wonderful sense of humor and truly loved his work, customers, dedicated staff, clients, family and the town itself. He loved playing racquetball with his friends. Phil enjoyed spending time at his summer home on the Susquehanna River fishing for bass.

He was the son of the late William G. and Martha (Pat) Mihalick Rudy. He will be missed by many and leaves his devoted wife, the former Deborah (Debi) Schwartz; sister, Carolyn Rogus and husband Thomas of Manville, NJ, his beloved pet Teddy, nephew, Eric Rogus, Branchburg , nieces Jeanette Rogus, Manville, and Christine Leonard, Bridgewater.

Services were held at Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. in Wilkes-Barre. Any memorial contributions may be made to St Vincent de Paul Kitchen, 39 East Jackson St, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Visit www.LehmanFuneralHome.com for additional information.