Rudolph Enno's Obituary
Rudolph Richard DiEnno, son of Rocco and Lucia Ferelli DiEnno, was born February 9, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He departed this life Thursday, November 20, 2008, in his home, near Waynesville, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, nine months, and eleven days. On October 12, 1947, he was united in marriage to Jean Richards Smith, and to this union four sons were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Jean, on March 25, 1999; a son, Richard R. DiEnno; two brothers, Charles and Ralph; and a sister, Rose. “Rudy”, as he was called by his family and friends, is survived by three sons, Ralph R. DiEnno, of Branson, Missouri, Robin R. DiEnno, of Florissant, Missouri, and Randall R. DiEnno, of Buffalo, New York; six grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; a brother, Nino DiEnno, of State of Florida; a sister, Livia “Lee” Duggan, of the State of Florida; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. He was born and raised in East Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the same time and in the same neighborhood as such well known people as Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Darin, Sal Mineo, and Ed McMahan. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army from November 8, 1945 until October 19, 1948, during World War II. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he and Jean soon made their home in Missouri, and lovingly raised their sons. Throughout the next several years, the family made their home in various locations, mainly in the southern states, while Rudy worked as a radio disc jockey and broadcaster. He was well known by his radio name of “Rudy Kazootie”. Eventually, he and Jean moved to Florida for a few years, but then once again returned to Missouri and made their home in the Waynesville area. Rudy was raised in the Catholic faith and had attended St. Frances DeSales Catholic Church in Lebanon. In his spare time he had a great love for music and had an extensive collection of recordings and tapes. He was an excellent musician and gifted percussionist, and had been the backup drummer for such famous names as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Although he lost most of his eyesight at a rather young age, he overcame his disability and made the best of each day. We celebrate Rudy’s life and his patriotic spirit, and will miss him and remember him fondly. Services were held at 10:00 am on Tuesday November 25, 2008 at St. Frances Desales Catholic Church in Lebanon, Missouri. Burial will be in Concord Cemetery under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. Return to top
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