Stephen "Stosh" Stanley Rudzinski Jr.

Stephen "Stosh" Stanley Rudzinski Jr., age 74, of Soquel, California suddenly passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Stosh was born July 6, 1947 in Albany, New York. He was the first born of five children. He has two sisters and two brothers. After high school Steve went into the Navy and practiced Dental Hygiene. He was discharged honorably in 1969. Steve and his friend drove across the country living it up before he settled in Santa Cruz, California. Steve knew he would never again move back to New York, he was home. Steve was introduced to Bronze casting and the art department at Cabrillo College and loved it so much he got himself a job as a technician working in the foundry. He was exposed to many of the great artists around Santa Cruz County. Steve eventually landed a technician position at UCSC, where he worked for 34 years. During his free time Steve enjoyed fishing in lakes, in the ocean, in rivers, and talking about fishing. Steve also was prolific in softball and was a fantastic pitcher for over 50 years. Steve also enjoyed bowling and played weekly on a team at Boardwalk Bowl. Steve loved nature and finding the truth in everything. He was always up for a good time, was easy to laugh, and had a huge heart. His open heart surgery only 4 months before his passing weakened that huge heart and it gave up in May.

Steve is survived by his daughter Renee, his grandson Zen, and his siblings Karen, Paul, Tim, and Teresa.