Philip G. Rudy

MOUNTAIN TOP — Philip G. Rudy, 68, of Mountain Top, died suddenly Thursday, March 2, 2017, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, after becoming ill at his store.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late William G. Rudy and Martha L. (Mihalick) Rudy and was a graduate of Manville High School in New Jersey. He graduated from Wilkes College, where he earned his Bachelor's of English degree. Philip worked for the University of Michigan Children's Psychiatric Hospital.

Philip had a dream of being his own boss and made it a reality by opening Circles on the Square, a gourmet deli that has turned into a downtown fixture for the past 32 years. He was a member of the Luzerne County Historical Society, Wilkes-Barre Downtown Business Association, the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Thomas M. Leighton in 2010, in recognition of his 25 years in business in the city.

Phil enjoyed playing racquetball and the camaraderie of his racquetball buddies. He appreciated a wide variety of music, which you could always hear playing in his store. He loved spending time at his summer home in Black Walnut and was an avid bass fisherman.

Philip had a wonderful sense of humor that showed in his menus every day depicting people, places and events. He loved his family, staff, customers, clients and the city of Wilkes-Barre. He was well read, well versed and was a role model to all that had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his loving wife, the former Deborah (Debi) Schwartz; sister, Carolyn and her husband, Thomas, of Manville, N.J.; his dog and best friend, Teddy. He also leaves nephews and nieces, Eric Rogus, Jeanette Rogus, Christine Leonard, Lisa Shaw and Lori Longfoot.

Funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, 2017, from the Lehman Family Funeral Service Inc., 689 Hazle Ave., Wilkes-Barre, with the Rev. James McGahagan officiating. Cremation will be private. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please send to St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, 39 E. Jackson St., Wilkes-Barre.