Judd Andrew Rywolt, 76, beloved husband of Carol Rywolt, died unexpectedly but peacefully at St. Vincent's hospital on December 5, 2020. He was born on August 27th, 1944 in Bridgeport to Leon and Kathleen (Sobasko) Rywolt and was a Trumbull resident for almost 50 years. Judd was a 1963 graduate of Bassick High School and served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. For those who knew him, he was a larger than life personality with a raucous sense of humor and big heart. He could help you find a laugh in any situation, which was a gift that made him dear to so many. Judd had a lifelong love of cars, and after his stint in the service he became owner of Community Texaco in Westport. He spent 15 years in town making many lifelong friends, and reveled in telling stories about the colorful characters he met during his time there. He later opened Colonial Exxon in Stratford before moving on to various roles in auto sales and service with Firestone, Miller Ford and Stevens Auto Group until "retiring" to his last job driving a school bus at All Star Transportation for the students of Monroe. He deeply enjoyed driving the kids and nothing made him happier than seeing their faces every day, then sharing a laugh with his many wonderful, supportive co-workers. He carried treats with him for the dogs he met on his route and knew them all by name. Judd loved coaching Little League baseball and was fond of reminiscing about those days and the many players he coached. He was a dedicated Yankees, NY Giants and UConn basketball fan, watching every game he could and was never shy in noting when they didn't play well. He had a soft spot for his small dogs who greeted him every day and defended him fiercely from their perch on his lap, as well as his often mischievous but loving cats. He took great pride in his beautiful green lawn and made friends with all the wildlife and stray cats that stopped by. None of us will ever be able to eat Pepe's pizza, littlenecks or a lobster roll without knowing that he's looking down jealously. Judd is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol, son Todd Rywolt and his wife Kathy of Barrington Rhode Island, daughter Lia Rywolt, daughter and devoted caregiver Dale Rywolt, and son Judd Rywolt Jr. and his wife Kristen; a sister J. Patricia Alexander of Southbury; sister-in-law Joan of Southport; grandchildren Patrick and Megan Hannigan, and Andrew, William and Karlee Rywolt; five nephews and three nieces.  He is predeceased by his beloved older brother Don, with whom he's sharing a perfect prime rib and belly laugh right now. A private Mass will be celebrated December 14 in St. Pius X Church in Fairfield. Funeral services will be private due to COVID-19 gathering limitations, and a celebration of Judd's life will be held when restrictions loosen. Contributions may be made in Judd's memory to the VA of Connecticut, who so selflessly cared for him for many years. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com

VA Connecticut Healthcare System
950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven CT 06516