FAMILY BACKGROUND:
Kenneth Thomas Rudzewick was born on December 5, 1937 in Physician's Hospital in Queens. His parents, Henry and Elsie(deceased) Rudzewick, were delighted to take their newborn baby boy home to Maspeth to meet his sister Nancy, who is now a Registered Nurse and lives in Commack, Long Island. Ken, as most people call him, was baptized at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, where he is an active parishioner ever since. Ken's sister Nancy introduced him to a Maspeth woman, named Barbara Cheperak shortly after he graduated from high school. Barbara and Ken were married on October 6, 1962 in St. Stans. As the family photo will attest, their union was blessed with three handsome sons and one beautiful daughter. Jill (Vik) is a New York City School Teacher; Thomas is the Chief Lending Officer at Maspeth Federal Savings Bank; Glen is on the accounts management team of Goldman Sacks; and Roger is a New York City Fireman, who considered fire hero, James Bohan, his best friend. As the family expanded, the Rudzewick's purchased a home in the Middle Village area, where they currently reside. Ken is proud of the fact that his wife Barbara recently completed her bachelor's degree in Nursing, having earned her AAS and RN several years ago. She works in ambulatory surgery at New York Hospital Queens (formerly known as Booth Memorial.)

EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
Ken attended St. Stanislaus grade school in Maspeth for his early education. His high school years were spent at Holy Trinity HS in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. From there, he went to New York University to major in finance, and in 1974 he graduated from Indiana University Graduate School of Savings and Loan. In 1956, two days out of High School, Ken went to work at the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank with then bank President, Franklin Fontera, and over 40 years later, he occupies the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the bank. In 1958, Ken joined the 69th Armory Infantry Regiment in Manhattan. His military service included 6 months of active duty and 5 1/2 years of active National Guard service.

COMMUNITY TIES:
As President and CEO of Maspeth Federal, Rudzewick is proud of the fact that he has helped the bank, a major employer of local residents, maintain its “small town atmosphere in a large city environment.” He especially emphasized the new millennium theme: “We treat you like Family.” The bank supports many community events during the course of the year, but he speaks with pride of the free Summer Concerts, now in their 34th year, and the annual “Fun Run,” which the bank has sponsored for 22 years.

A former President of the Maspeth Kiwanis, and also Past President of the Maspeth Town Hall, Ken participates in many community-related activities. He is a member of the United Veterans and Fraternal Organization of Maspeth and recently received their community service award. He is a member of the Queensboro Elks #878, and he is now working on a committee to save the Lodge on Queens Blvd. At St. Stanislaus' Church, he serves on a committee to refurbish the church and restore it to its original splendor. He is also a member of the Juniper Park Civic Association.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:
On any given lunch hour, it would not be unusual to meet Ken walking through the neighborhood, which helps him maintain his physical and mental well-being. He also enjoys a good game of handball. However his life long sports interest has been football, especially with the LYNVET Sports Association, which celebrated its golden anniversary on October 21. Ken not only played football with the Lyn Vets for many years, but also coached pee wee teams in recent years. Over the years, he also competed in six Sag Harbor Triathlons, the most recent one in 1989.

Asked about his personal philosophy of life and living, Ken responded: “Having being in the army and served in the Infantry, I am familiar with the role of the Point Man. I have always believed that Jesus Christ is my Point Man, who leads His people through troubled and uncharted waters.”