Thomas E. Rudzinski, 58, of Manheim Township, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 after battling cancer. He was born in Porchester, NY and is the son of Edward & Palma (Bendino) Rudzinski of Lancaster.

Tom is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Datesman) Rudzinski. They were married on January 18, 1997. Stephanie and Tom met through both of their First Responder positions in the community.

Tom graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in government followed by obtaining his Master's Degree from Boston University in criminal justice. He then completed the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

He began his career with Manheim Township Police in 1987. He was highly decorated and was promoted through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and in 2017 became the Police Chief. Tom helped further the field of law enforcement by serving on numerous committees and in various organizations, notably as the President of the Central Pennsylvania Chiefs, the Third Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Associations, and the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, St. John Neuman Knights of Columbus as a 3rd Degree, and a 4th Degree Knight with the Santia Maria. He was Boy Scout Leader, a loyal companion to his dog Rocky, and an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. He enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, cruises, all things Maryland especially Old Bay seasoning, crabs, and always put his family first. Prior to his cancer, he enjoyed hiking, kayaking, snow, and the season of Fall.

Surviving in addition to Stephanie and his parents, are two children, Ashley Marie Rudzinski (Corey McCarty), of Huntingdon, PA, Joseph Thomas (Taylor Tritapoe), of Lancaster, a grandson, Hunter, and a mother-in-law, Charline Shaub, of Lancaster.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 11am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church 601 E. Delp Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 with The Rev. Daniel Powell as Celebrant. The family will receive friends on Wednesday night from 6-8pm at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike and again at the church from 10am-11am, prior to Mass. Interment will follow at Landis Valley Mennonite Cemetery. Police and Knights of Columbus will provide Honor Guard.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Tom's memory to St. John Neumann Catholic Church or Hospice & Community Care 685 Good Dr. Lancaster, PA 17601.