Rudolph J. "Rudy" Forjan Jr.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Rudolph J. “Rudy” Forjan announces his passing on November 4, 2023. Rudy was born January 30, 1946, the second of four children, to Rudolph and Emma (Collelo) Forjan in Harrisburg, PA. He grew up in Steelton, PA, and was a football star, Running Back #23, at Steel-High, Class of ‘63. Rudy earned a football scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Germany in the Berlin Brigade. Following college graduation, Rudy was a painting contractor for several years in Colorado. Upon moving to Florida he started a small foliage nursery. He married the love of his life, Rhonda, in 1983, and together they built, owned, operated, and expanded Keystone Crops near Eustis, working side by side on their 7-acre property for more than 30 years. Rhonda was the grower, and Rudy built and maintained more than an acre of greenhouses. He could build or fix anything and was a perfectionist at his work. Rudy also ran a picture-framing business on the property. Customers admired his eye for color and design, and often asked him to choose the frame style and matting and surprise them! After retiring in 2014, Rudy and Rhonda traveled the country in their RV, visiting more than 20 national parks and spending time with friends and family. Lucky are those who knew Rudy. Behind that quiet demeanor was a sincere and caring friend, a patient listener, a big heart, and a kind soul that everyone loved. No one could say an unkind word about Rudy. He enjoyed chatting with neighbors and fellow growers and brokers in the foliage business. If you needed help, Rudy was there. At home, Rudy was often found sitting in his screened porch, working crossword puzzles or sudoku and enjoying his beautiful, park-like backyard. His love of football remained throughout his life. College football was his favorite, and he spent Saturdays watching every game he could squeeze into the day. It is often said that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat animals. If that’s true, Rudy was an angel all his life. He and Rhonda added countless stray dogs and cats to their family over the years, providing a loving home for these pets to live out their days. Rudy couldn’t say “no” when he looked into the eyes of a stray dog or cat. Before his passing, Rudy stated that he would visit God’s “Dog Heaven Garden of Eden” and take care of the animals. Rudy is survived by his wife and soulmate of 40 years, Rhonda Larsen Forjan (Eustis) and his beloved son, Aaron Forjan (Tempe, Arizona). Rudy was incredibly proud of Aaron and the two of them shared a bond like no other. He is further survived by his caring stepdaughter, Katy Furnas (Leesburg); three adoring grandsons: Jackson, Jordan, and Jett Furnas; and his cherished dog, Chewy. Additional survivors include his loving siblings: sister June Towne
(Eustis) and brothers Phil Forjan (Virginia) and Ron Forjan (Pennsylvania); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and treasured brother-in-law, Larry Towne. Gifts in memory of Rudy Forjan may be directed to the ASPCA or a local animal shelter, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The Harden-Pauli Funeral Home in Eustis is assisting the family. A private family remembrance of Rudy’s life will be held at a later date.