Rudolph Nadeau of Newport News, Va., died at home on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012.

“Rudy” joined the United States Army at an early age from his childhood home in Aroostook, Maine, to support his country during World War II. Though wounded in that war his military career continued through the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He proudly retired from the Army as Staff Sergeant in 1971 saying “I was an enlisted man, I worked for a living.”

Rudy’s retirement years were filled with fishing in the York River, gardening at his home in Denbigh and “piddling,” which he defined as keeping busy with all of the things he liked to do; anything from building bird houses, “cooking out” for family and friends or having a gin and Wink.

Rudy always felt he was fortunate to have the experiences, friends and family that life provided. He was often heard saying “I’m the luckiest man alive.”

He is survived by his wife, Betty Nadeau of Denbigh; his son, Emory Nadeau and daughter-in-law Betty Ambrose-Nadeau, and grandson, Damien Nadeau, all of Gloucester, and his brother, Conrad “Joe” Nadeau of Florida.

Rudy requested there will be no funeral service. Inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to “Freedom is Not Free,” an organization assisting wounded and fallen serviceperson families, 11772 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 1600, San Diego, Cal. 92121 or online at www.freedomisnotfree.com.

Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, is in charge of all arrangements.