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1941 - 2018

BORN

1941

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Riverside Memorial Chapel - New York

180 West 76th Street

New York City, New York

Leslie Rudd Obituary

Leslie Gerald Rudd

1941-2018

Leslie Rudd passed away on May 3rd in New York City after a brave battle against esophageal cancer. It is difficult to express in words the effect Leslie had on the people in the companies he owned, his business partners, the people in the communities in which he and Susie resided, and each of the numerous individuals he met and interacted with during his frequent travels. That said, among many things, he was: an entrepreneur (Standard Beverage, Godfather's Pizza, Lone Star Steakhouse, Dean & Deluca, Rudd Oakville Estate, Durant & Booth, 209 Gin, Press Restaurant, Edge Hill and others), husband, father, visionary, mentor, deal-maker, adviser, vintner, partner, restaurateur, philanthropist, friend, dog-lover, and pro football fan. In all things, Leslie was a perfectionist and embodied the notion of continuous improvement. Everyone close to him knew that despite his customary challenges, he had a huge heart and only wanted the best for the businesses.

Leslie was a genuinely humble and intensely private person...that was the way he both lived and died. He leaves this world a much better place. His legacy will have a major ongoing influence on society not only through his business portfolio, but also through the active efforts of the Rudd Foundation, a tremendous philanthropic passion of his that is expected to grow even further per Leslie's vision.

His parting guidance was "stay focused on our customers, make good business decisions, act with urgency, keep driving to improve, and get some stuff done." His daughter, Samantha, will take the lead and do exactly that.

Leslie's favorite quote was from Wilferd Peterson and embodies the essence of who Leslie was and how he lived his life: "Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it..."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 4 to May 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Rudd

Sponsored by Riverside Memorial Chapel - New York.

17 Entries

Jack Ford

October 7, 2020

I grew up with Les in Wichita. I was 2 years older. His family lived about 2 blocks away from mine. His Dad, Sam, and my Dad, Bill, were, I believe, best friends. I was very fond of Sammy. Les was one of my younger brother, Henry's, best friends. But I was very close to his entire family. Les was certainly one of the sweetest people I've ever known. I lost touch with the Rudd's when I left Wichita in 1957. But Les d called me out of the blue about 10 years ago and we had one of the most memorable conversations of my life. He told me that he would call me the next time he was in L.A. and we'd have lunch. But I never heard from him again, although I did email him a few times. I learned about his death accidentally last week in the course of one of my incessant internet searches.

Karen Wyche

September 8, 2018

I work at a podiatrist in Durham North Carolina and that is where I met Mr Rudd. We would talk about different wines and he ask me what kind I like. I told him red Zinfandel He sent me 3 if his best bottles. He was such a wonderful man. I just learned of his passing and I am very sad. May his family find strength to go on.

Sandy Shindleman

June 12, 2018

To Leslie's wonderful family. The world lost a favorite son and citizen. Our condolences from the Shindleman Family of Winnipeg Manitoba Canada.

Sandy Shindleman

June 12, 2018

To Leslie's wonderful family. The world lost a favorite son and citizen. Our condolences from the Shindleman Family of Winnipeg Manitoba Canada.

Tony Greenberg

May 11, 2018

Susie,Sam,and all of the Rudd family,our heavy hearts go out to all of you!
It is hard to put into words what the Rudd family has meant to us for
over 2 generations. I first met Leslie's father, Sam while working in downtown Wichita during my high school summers.Lunch with Sam and my dad was always informative & enjoyable. I got to know Leslie much later after my college was completed.He was always close to my father and uncle and that gave me a leg up as he already had a soft spot for us Greenberg's.
He eventually became a mentor,partner and close friend.
His loyalty,generosity,wisdom,humor and inquisitive nature will never be
forgotten!
Love from the Greenberg family!

Steve Silverman

May 8, 2018

Sweetheart ❤

Bruce R. Foster

May 8, 2018

Goodbye Leslie. I have fond memories of a deal we did involving 4licensing Corporation. You were a great businessman who always looked out for your best interests.

I am at Asta Funding now...doing similar deals learned from you. Thanks.

JUSTIN AURBACH

May 7, 2018

LESLIE was one of the finest people I have had the privilege of knowing. As a childhood friend I looked upon leslie (BUDD) as a big brother. He was always positive and had a special charm about him. He was a sports enthusiast and a lover of great food. He was who openly shared what he believed in and defended his beliefs. He always had a boyish smile and enjoyed a good joke. He was a model of the True AMERICAN entrepreneur. All who had the privilege to know him benefited from their relationship
With him.. He will be sadly missed!

Rick Fiedelman

May 6, 2018

Leslie showed up in my office at Deloitte in San Francisco in 2003 and we became instant friends and colleagues. I grew up in Denver and knew all of his Denver relatives. I feel fortunate that my wife and I shared his reunion in Aspen a few years ago. The event was attended by a large number of his friends and colleagues. I wish his wife and daughter the very best in the future.
I feel fortunate to call Leslie my friend and will miss him terribly. Rick Fiedelman

Washington Crew (CB, DT, JM, SH)

May 6, 2018

So very sorry for your loss! We are all much better people for knowing Mr. Rudd and truly enjoyed the time we were able to spend with you both. We already miss him but will always remember the courtesy and respect he extended to us and everyone around him.

Malena Smither

May 6, 2018

Susie and SamI am so very sorry about Leslie s passing. Know that both you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless
Malena Smither

Pat McClellan Kiser

May 5, 2018

Susan and girls- Sending you my deepest sympathies and heart felt love at this time of your loss. Leslie was a wonderful friend whom I have known since our school years here in Wichita.
His loss will be felt here in Wichita as well around the the world.

Sincerely

May 5, 2018

Sending the warmth of love and compassion during this difficult time. Psalms 105:4. Deepest sympathies. May the precious memories forever be remembered & cherished.

Carol Natanson

May 4, 2018

Leslie was not only brilliant in business but he had the most beautiful heart and soul. I have always felt dear feelings for Leslie even though he was older than myself and I didn't see him much. I will keep him in my heart always. My heartfelt sympathies to you, Andrea, Susan, and Samantha. Much love

Sally Clark

May 4, 2018

A friend for 47 years! He will be missed by his many friends. We are heartbroken for Susie and Samantha. He was truly one of the great guys.

David and Judy Breitstein

May 4, 2018

What shock to hear the news of Leslies passing! What a man he was! We will always remember his friendship, generosity and creativity! Rest In Peace Leslie!

Gerald Facciani

May 3, 2018

Leslie was one of the few gentlemen I know in business. He cared for and loved his friends deeply. I am proud to have considered him a supporter and friend. His physical body has died, but his Spirit and Karma live on.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results