Rudolf Clifford Aiken

POTSDAM - Funeral services for Rudolf Clifford "Rudy" Aiken will be held at the United Methodist Church, Potsdam on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. James Barnes officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Forest Cemetery in St. Regis Falls.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. at the Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam.

Rudy died at home in Potsdam surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by Mary, his wife of 63 years; two sons, Jerry and Charlotte Aiken of Massena and Rick and Debbie Aiken of Sydney; and one daughter, Nancy and Tim Thompson of Clifton Park.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Robert and wife Kathy of Seattle, Wash., Cory of Arlington, Va., Jeff of New York City, Jennifer of Plattsburgh, Kristen of New York City, Laurel and husband Chris of Peru, N.Y., and Melanie of Clifton Park; one brother, Gordon Aiken; several nieces and nephews; and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Robert.

Rudy was born Oct. 20, 1922 in Dickinson Center, son of Earl and Clara (Merrick) Aiken. He graduated in 1940 from Brushton High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on Dec. 10, 1942.

He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. At the time of his discharge (Nov. 25, 1945) he had achieved the rank of sergeant.

Rudy married Mary Noel June 1, 1946 in the Virginia Heights Baptist Church, Roanoke, Va. They moved to Potsdam, where he was employed at the Racquette Valley Dairy. He later became a carrier for the Potsdam office of the United States Postal Service. He retired in 1984 after 17 years of service.

Rudy was an active member of the Potsdam United Methodist Church. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed working in his garden.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Inc., or the Potsdam Humane Society.

Arrangements are with the Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam.