Rudolph W. Edwards

Rudy Edwards, of Sarver, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026. Born in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, Rudy was the son of the late Murray and Hazel Edwards. He attended Har-Brack High School, where he was a standout athlete and played fullback and punter on an undefeated football team. He later attended West Virginia University. Above all else, Rudy was a man of many talents and passions. In 1984, he founded Rudy Edwards Construction and became involved in numerous major projects throughout the Pittsburgh area. Among the projects he was most proud of were his work at Three Rivers Stadium and his participation in the construction of the Pittsburgh International Airport People Mover system. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Rudy was also a pilot who spent many years flying his beloved Cessna. He often described flying as “touching the face of God.” Whether in the sky, on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, or working outdoors caring for his property, Rudy found joy in freedom, hard work, and the simple pleasures of life. In 2003, upon his retirement, Rudy began driving for Anderson Coach & Travel and became the preferred East Coast driver for the legendary musical group, the Temptations. He traveled throughout with them and treasured the friendships and experiences he gained along the way.

Rudy was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan who loved football, tailgating, and sharing game days with family and friends. He was known for his strong work ethic, competitive spirit, warm smile, and ability to make friends wherever he went.

For the past nine years, Rudy resided at Concordia Nursing Home at Cabot, where he became a cherished member of the Schwam Hall family. The staff and residents came to know him as a kind, friendly, and congenial man whose presence brightened the lives of those around him.

Rudy’s compassion for others was evident throughout his life. He was always willing to lend a hand when someone was in need and believed strongly in helping others without expecting anything in return. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Rudy volunteered his time and traveled with his bus to New Orleans to assist in transporting evacuees to safety. Providing help to others defined his character and genuine spirit.

Above all else, Rudy was devoted to his family. He was the beloved husband of Harriet Ann Edwards, with whom he shared an extraordinary 70 years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with love, faith, laughter, and unwavering commitment. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on May 13, 2026.

He is survived by his loving wife, Harriet Ann Edwards; his children, Kim (Edwards) Woodrow, Dan Woodrow of Naples, FL, Shaun (Edwards) Mathis, and Lawrence Mathis of Bowie, MD; his sister, Yvonne Wilson, Atlanta, GA; his grandchildren, Justin Woodrow, Brittany (Woodrow) Williams, Sean Williams, Lacey Woodrow, Cortney Mathis, and Jordan Mathis; and his great-grandchildren, Julian Serena, Ava Williams, Ezra Williams, and Nova Williams, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Murray and Hazel Edwards, and his sisters, Carol Dunlap and Sandra Gibson.

Rudy’s legacy is not measured by the buildings he helped construct, the miles he traveled, or the planes he flew. It is found in the love he gave his family, the friendships he formed, the lives he touched, and the example he set through a lifetime of hard work, loyalty, and kindness.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him

Friends will be received on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.  Officiating will be the Rev. Mitchel Nickols.  Burial with full military honros in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Twp.  To send an online condolence, please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.