Rudy Cologna

On Sunday, February 26, our “Fantastic” Rudy Cologna (Husband, Father, Grandpa, Papa, Brother, and Zio), in true gentlemanly fashion, passed away quietly and peacefully into the loving arms of our mother and his heavenly family.

Dad fought to stay here with us because he never wanted to miss a thing when it came to family gatherings and holiday celebrations. When his cancer progressed, he desired to stay in his own home surrounded by his wife and his “Fantastic” children. He did exactly that.

Dad was born in Reliance, Wyoming on December 9, 1933, to Max P and Pierina Cologna. He came from an Italian Catholic family and was very proud of his Italian Trentini family heritage. He loved to visit his homeland of Castelfondo, Italy, and enjoyed many trips there with his family.

When Dad was 9 years old, his parents moved their family to West Weber, Utah where growing up on the farm taught him a strong work ethic. He attended and graduated from Weber High School. After high school, he attended Weber State and The University of Utah graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Dad met and married our mother Janet Rose Greiner on June 14, 1958. This beautiful union brought 6 Fantastic” children. After our mother passed in 1998, he met and married Kate Clare in August 2003. They spent 19 years of wonderful companionship and her 3 “Fantastic” kids were added to the mix.

Dad was our Rocket Man! He was a research and development engineer for Thiokol, McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing Aerospace.

He created numerous patents and was recognized for his outstanding achievement and contribution. Dad failed at retirement three times. He was respected and loved by his peers who like us, didn’t want to see him go.

He was best known as “Mr. Fantastic” for his love of cheering people up with the word “fantastic” everywhere he went. He will be greatly missed by all.

Dad is survived by his wife Kate, his brother Dan (Darlene) Cologna, and his sister Rita (Doug) DeHaven. His “Fantastic” children are Marcia Wilson, Curtis (Lamyai) Cologna, Chris (Cindy) Cologna, Judy (Michael) Lindeman, Patricia Cologna, and Annette Cologna.

“Fantastic” Bonus kids; Joe (Chris) Clare, Mary Clare (Ryan Hall), Joan Clare-Harris (Steve Harris).

18 “Fantastic-er” grandkids and 4 “Fantastic-est” great-grandkids as he stated. Adoring numerous nephews and nieces whom he also adored!

Funeral Mass will be Friday, April 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. PST at St Madeleine Sophie Parish, 4400 130th Place SE, Bellevue Washington 98006 (Live stream available at stmadeleine.org).

Internment Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Bellevue, Washington 98007.