Rudy Zemelka

BOARDMAN — Rudy J. Zemelka, 70, died suddenly Monday morning, Feb. 15, 2021, in the emergency room at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.

Rudy was born Sept. 3, 1950, the son of Frank and Christine Glever Zemelka. After graduating from St. Clairsville High School, he attended Ohio University and later graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. He served as a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for over 31 years before retiring as a lieutenant. He then served as the chief of the police department at Humility of Mary Health Partners for 12 years and was currently working as an investigator for the Gervelis Law Office.

Rudy served in the U.S. Army Reserves, was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and an avid Browns, Indians, Penguins and Ohio State fan.

He is survived by his wife, the former Debra Bartolo, whom he married Sept. 12, 1970; a daughter, Holly (T.J.) D’Apolito of Canfield; a son, Brant (Yvette) Zemelka of Boardman; a brother, Frank (Kathy) Zemelka of Cleveland; four grandchildren, Brant Zemelka II, Cole Zemelka, and Joey and Karley D’Apolito; a brother-in-law, Kem (Dana) Bartolo of Fairpoint; and his furry grandchildren, Bixby, Paco, Lil Bit and Zora.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gerry Zemelka.

Services will be 7 p.m. Friday, with the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael Cariglio officiating, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr’s Centre Drive, Canfield, OH 44406.

Friends may call 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

This tribute may be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com.