Rudolf Dent

Rudy Dent was born in NYC on April 9th, 1946 to Lennard Dent and Gloria Beauchamp – Dent. Subsequent to the untimely death of his mother at the age of 3, he was raised by his maternal grandmother Mary Beauchamp and Aunt Terri Beauchamp – Lopez. Rudy grew up street-smart in the Bronx and graduated Samuel Gompers High School as well as the High School of Art of Design, where he excelled in art. Rudy developed his talent as a still life oil painter and immerging commercial graphic artist. Upon completion of trade school, he enlisted in the US Army, taking his oath of service July 15th, 1966. Rudy was a Noncommissioned Officer serving in Vietnam as a Crew Chief/Aircraft Mechanic on Assault Helicopters. He engaged the enemy in aerial combat as a door gunner. Among his military decorations, he was awarded three Air Medal’s [2 Oak Leaf Custer] for heroics and meritorious service against a hostile enemy force while assigned to the 190th Assault Helicopter Company, USARPAC. The 190th Assault Helicopter Company was known by the call sign “Spartans” and their gunships were called “Gladiators”. Rudy’s 190th Assault Helicopter Company made history when they were one of the few Assault Helicopter Companies to provide direct combat support to the US Marines on the ground in September 1967. Rudy’s “Spartans” of the 190th Assault Helicopter Company set many records for this new mode of aerial combat never seen in modern warfare. They earned over 300 awards for Valor. Rudy’s three Air Medals for valor are counted among them. Rudy was honorably discharged from active duty in the US Army and transferred to the US Army Reserves after gallant and distinguished continuous service in a combat area on 26th December 1969. Rudy then returned to New York, where he joined the New York City Police Department, but after 4 years he fulfilled a desire to be a Firefighter with the New York City Fire Department. He then joined the NYCFD where he served in several areas of the Bronx for 26 years. He joined the NYFD at a time in New York history when the Bronx was burning down and street gangs permeated the neighborhoods. He was involved in hundreds of fires and rescues, among them the infamous “Happy Land” disco fire in the Bronx. On 9-11, Rudy was on his day off but summoned by his chain of command to report to his firehouse immediately. He jumped on his motorcycle and sped to his Firehouse Engine 52, Ladder 52. He reported for duty, after which they commandeered a bus to carry the rest of the off duty Firefighters with their gear to ground zero. Rudy witnessed the collapse of WTC 7 and the unimaginably surreal scene of destruction around him. He continued to work rescue and recovery of the 343 firefighters and other victims for several weeks thereafter. This would have a deeply profound effect on him for the rest of his life. He became an advocate for survivors and avid researcher on all things 9-11 to help others better understand what occurred and find the truth. Rudy was married to the love of his life Pearl Parris-Dent for over 48 years. They sold their first home in Rockland County, New York and together they built their dream home in Arizona in 2019. He is survived by his wife Pearl and son Richard Anthony Dent. Rudy had a passion for music, dancing, photography, sport fishing and was an avid motorcyclist. One of his dreams was to ride his bike through the desert and capture the beautiful desert landscape of Arizona on film. He intended to frame them to decorate his new home with his original photo work. His life story is replete with such tales of audacity, humor, dedication to family, loyalty to friends, a devoted husband, and father, and unapologetic love of country. Rudy had a generous heart and was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He was a pure family man and a dedicated public servant; he will be sorely missed. A public visitation will be held on October 20th, 2021 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, at Thompson Funeral Chapel, immediately followed by a funeral service at 2:30 pm, at Thompson Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be held on October 21st, 2021 at 10:30 am, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. “There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief” ~ Aeschylus

Rudolf Dent

October 22, 2021