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The New York Building Congress honors the life of Jack Rudin, a legendary New York City building industry leader and dedicated philanthropist. Born in the Bronx in 1924, Jack died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on December 4, 2016.
Along with his late brother Lewis, Jack carried on the tradition of their parents, Samuel and May, in business and public service. As Chairman of the Rudin Management Company, Jack was one of the City’s leading real estate builders, overseeing the design and construction of some of New York City’s most iconic buildings. Jack was one of the most active and longest-serving members of the New York Building Congress, serving the organization in many capacities, including as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and as the Founding Chairman of its Energy Committee.
Jack’s stature as a business and civic leader was matched only by his devotion to improving the lives of the less fortunate. His philanthropy and community involvement in health care, education, the arts, and social services vastly improved the quality of life for many New Yorkers.
New York Building Congress President Richard T. Anderson and Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura, who was named to succeed Mr. Anderson in 2017, said, “The New York Building Congress will long remember the extraordinary and lasting contributions of Jack Rudin to New York City and to the building community he dearly loved. Jack was an industry icon whose generosity and thoughtfulness knew no bounds. His leadership of the building industry was marked by a strong commitment to quality and union craftsmanship. He bonded with design professionals, labor, government, contractors, and the religious community alike. No one was ever left out.”
They added, “There is no better evidence of our esteem and gratitude than the decision by the Building Congress’ Board of Director in 2008 to establish the Jack and Lewis Rudin Award for Service to New York City and select Jack as its first recipient.”
Jack served in the US Army during World War II and was a recipient of the Bronze Star for heroic and meritorious service in combat.
Jack’s loss is deeply felt by the entire Rudin family, including his wife Susan; his son and daughter-in-law Eric and Fiona Rudin; his daughter Madeleine Rudin Johnson and her partner Bruce Barnet; his daughter Katherine Rudin; his grandchildren Grant Johnson, Samuel and Nicholas Rudin; his stepchildren Inda Schaenen and her husband Michael Dee and their children Stella, Oliver, and Nathan; and Eve Schaenen and her husband Frank Hentschker and their children, Claire and Leo; his nephew William Rudin and his wife, Ophelia and their family; his niece Beth Rudin DeWoody and her husband, Firooz Zahedi, and their family; his sister-in-law Rachel Rudin; the entire Rudin Management Company and the great City of New York.
