RUDOLPH A. LARAIA (Bumpa) Rudolph A. Laraia, 91, of Middlebury, VT died peacefully in the loving presence of his daughter on November 24, 2010. For the past 2 years, Rudy (Bumpa) was a resident of The Haven, a remarkable memory care unit of The Lodge at Otter Creek, where the staff became extended family and other residents close friends. Rudy was born on October 29, 1919 in Torrington, CT, the son of Anthony and Catherine (Lavieri) Laraia. He graduated from Torrington High School (The Wetmore School) and became an electricians apprentice under his brother Daniel, who was an electrical contractor. His brother was a good teacher and Rudy worked as a job foreman and/or superintendent on numerous jobs for his brother and through IBEW Local #35 in the Hartford area, finishing his career with MAFCO Electrical Contractors. Rudy and his wife Ann raised their children first in Torrington, CT, and in 1962 moved to Wethersfield, where they retired. In 1993 they moved to Middlebury, VT to be near their daughter and family as Ann moved through her battle with Alzheimers Disease. Ann predeceased Rudy in May, 2001 but Rudy was buoyed up by his loving family and all the friends and acquaintances he had made in this wide community. Many of those friendships were started over a game of golf which Rudy played exceptionally well, being an eagle eye on chipping and putting in particular! He particularly loved playing with his grandsons and granddaughter, making them work for every good shot. His family used to kid him, saying he was a boring golfer always straight down the middle, not like the rest of us shanking and hooking with consistency! Alzheimers Disease arrived again all too soon on Rudys doorstep, but his response was to put one foot in front of the other and keep on living with courage, knowing he had plenty of support from his children and grandchildren. He had taught his family well in caring for his wife Ann, and through his familys care he was loved in the same way and was never alone. Rudy is survived by his son Thomas Laraia and his wife Peggy of Boca Raton, FL; their children Kristen Van Dingenin and husband William of Boca Raton, FL; Tony Marra and wife Monica of SC; daughter Shirley Carlson and her husband Dr. John Carlson of Middlebury, VT; their children Matthew Carlson and wife Joanna of Chicago, IL; Thaddeus Carlson and wife Neva of Arlington, MA; and Holly Carlson of Arlington, MA; great-grandchildren Joshua, Peter, Nathaniel, Anja, and Tony; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rudy is predeceased by his wife Ann of 57 years, his parents, brothers, and sisters. Rudys family would like to extend deepest gratitude to Project Independence, where Rudy thrived in his early stages of Alzheimers, as well as to the wonderful caregivers who helped Rudys family maintain his independence at home for as long as possible. Rudys residence in The Haven at The Lodge at Otter Creek followed and was made exceptional by the staff who cared for his every need as if they were caring for their own family. The Haven truly became Rudys home, and his antics and wit brought smiles to the faces of all who knew him. Everyone loved Rudy he touched many lives and made this world a better place. A mass of Christian burial will be said at St. Marys Catholic Church in Middlebury by Fr. William Beaudin on Friday, December 3 at 11 AM with interment at St. Marys Cemetery. Evening calling hours are at Sanderson Ducharme Funeral Home in Middlebury on Thursday, December 2 from 5 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rudys name to St. Marys School, Shannon St., Middlebury, VT 05753.