Rudolph Andrew Landry

HALLOWELL-- Rudolph Andrew Landry, age 97, passed away September 30, 2025. He was the eldest son of Robert and Gertrude (Pelletier) Landry of Fort Kent, Maine. He was born on September 8, 1928 in Howland, Maine. He spent his early childhood in Fort Kent and moved to Waterville when he was a pre-teen. He joined the US Army in 1946 and transitioned to the US Air Force when it was created in 1948. He was a graduate of the US Air Force Institute of Technology. He was a proud veteran who served for 20 years (1946-1966). He was a veteran of three wars-World War II (postings in Germany and Japan), the Korean and Vietnam wars. In 2018 he was one of 42 Maine veterans who participated in an Honor Flight to Washington DC; he was the only veteran on that trip who had served in three wars.

During his tenure in the Air Force he specialized in air traffic control. He served as chief of the control tower at Torrejon Air Force Base in Spain from 1960-1964. In preparation for this posting he attended language training school in Washington DC where he became fluent in Spanish and remained fluent in the language throughout his life, delighting in opportunities to speak Spanish whenever he could. In addition to his tours in Spain, Germany, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, some of his other assignments included Iceland, Texas, California, Utah, Dominican Republic, and Oklahoma.

Upon retirement from the Air Force he returned to Maine and settled in Waterville, Maine. He joined the US Postal service in 1966 and served as a letter carrier for 13 years. He served in many leadership positions with the Postal Workers union at the local and state level. In 1979 he became a postmaster. During his years as a postmaster he was actively involved in labor relations and served communities in Litchfield, Coopers Mills and Springvale until his retirement in 1995. Not ready for retirement at age 65, he worked for H&R Block and managed the office of Dr. Peter Smith for several years.

He was involved in many community organizations in Waterville. He served on the first Waterville Airport Board from 1967-1990 and was the board President for 11 years. Other organizations he was involved with included the Osteopathic Hospital, Salvation Army, Kiwanis Club, and United Way. He was an active member of St Marks Church in Waterville for many years, serving on the vestry for several years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Virginia Mae Coolbroth Landry of Hallowell; three children from his first marriage to Joyce Miller, Evelyn Landry of Yarmouth (Robert Dawson), Robert Landry (Dawn) of Silverdale, Washington and Jane Williams (Greg) of Phoenix, Arizona; four step children Richard Bryant (Cheryl) of Fayette, Kevin Bryant (Vera) of Pittsfield, Kathy Alley (Greg) of Port Charlotte, Florida, and Robert Bryant of Hartland; siblings Theresa White of North Vassalboro, and Lauraine Mansur of Waterville; step siblings Joyce Ronan, Duane Hutchinson and Beverly Robertson; 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Rudy was predeceased by brother Robert Landry Jr., sister Lenora Gilbert and step siblings Michael Hutchinson, Verle Hutchinson and Sandra Hutchinson.