Rudolph “Rudy” Chlanda, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 20, 2023.

Rudy was born in March of 1950, in Poughkeepsie, NY, to Muriel and Rudolph W. Chlanda. Rudy graduated from Arlington High School and continued his education at SUNY Cortland, securing a Bachelor’s degree in Geology. His professional path began at Stone & Webster, Weston Geophysical led him to the Army Core of Engineers, and concluded with a distinguished career at the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Here, Rudy’s contributions to stream reconstruction, dam construction, Tribal assistance, and farmer assistance were acknowledged. His steadfast commitment to his profession earned him certification as a professional geologist from the American Institute of Professional Geologists in 2004.

In 1973, Rudy married his beloved wife, Kathleen. The couple established their home in Amherst Ma., where they raised their two sons, Tory and Trevor. Tory and his wife Lauren enriched Rudy’s life with two cherished granddaughters, Olivia and Madeline, who endearingly referred to him as “Guppy”. Trevor and his partner Mary Margaret recall fond memories of times spent with Rudy in their home in Napa, California.

An enthusiast of the great outdoors, Rudy was a keen fisherman, camper, hunter, and birdwatcher. During his childhood, he devoted numerous hours to caring for his large brood of chickens, and his hunting dogs, with his springer spaniel Spotty, being his most memorable.  He also spent countless hours waist-deep fishing in streams near his Lagrangeville, NY, home.

His love for roadside geology led to memorable family road trip stops, turning each journey into an educational adventure. An advocate for planet conservation, Rudy imparted his love for nature to his sons. Known for his warm smile, Rudy was a gifted storyteller and always engaged in captivating conversations.

Rudy was a man of boundless curiosity, always excited to learn and explore new ideas. He had a knack for home projects and could often be found engrossed in tasks ranging from bathroom tiling to building a doghouse for the family pet. His passionate love for life, nature, and music left an enduring impression on all who knew him. His significant contributions to his family and society, particularly within the geology field, remain an indelible part of his legacy.

A Celebration of Life will take place on July 22, 2023, from 1-4 pm at the Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle Street, Amherst, MA. Attendees are asked to bring a small stone as a tribute to Rudy’s passion for geology.

In place of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations to the Rudolph Chlanda Geology Scholarship Fund, a cause close to Rudy’s heart. Donations can be made by visiting www.RedDragonNetwork.org/chlandatribute

Rudy’s legacy will live on through the cherished memories of those whose lives he touched. His love for his family, his passion for the outdoors, and his infectious smile will forever be remembered.