RUDOLF J. BERGGOLD's Obituary
Rudolf J. Berggold
July 16, 1935 - May 23, 2021
Rudolf (Rudi) Berggold, 85 of Miami, FL. passed away on May 23rd, 2021.
A German immigrant, he was born in Heidelberg, Germany and came to the United States from Canada. As a young boy, he helped his mother in the kitchen and in their hotels learning the way around a kitchen and applying what he had learned to eventually become an Executive Chef. He had a long and successful career opening and working at the Skyline Hotel in Ontario, Canada and working at Indies Inn in Duck Key, now known as Hawks Cay Resort; the Sonesta Hotel on Key Biscayne; Menage, Faces in the Grove, and the Radisson Hotel in Miami. In 1986, the Radisson Hotel Corporation awarded him “Executive Chef of the Year” then shortly after promoted him to Director of Food and Beverage. In 1994, he was chosen to be the Director of Food and Beverage at their 5-Star hotel in Sochi, Russia where he and his wife lived for two years. Rudi retired from the Miami Yacht Club in 2012.
Rudi married the love of his life, Lydia, in 1970. Rudi's family was the center of his world; he loved taking care of his wife and her every need, always making sure she had breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the table. He made sure the fridge was always packed with her favorite foods and treated her like a queen. Equally loved by him were his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. They all knew that when "Papa" was around there was a special treat in store. Rudi was warm, funny, kind, and the best storyteller, especially with his deep German accent that added that extra punch to his stories. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met from co-workers and neighbors to cashiers at the grocery store, always making sure to say hello to everyone that came his way. He will be deeply missed by all those that were fortunate enough to cross his path. Rudi was an avid fan of soccer. His favorite team was Bayern Munich and he looked forward to the World Cup, always wearing his favorite German attire. Rudi loved to garden, he had a green thumb and was able to grow just about anything. Back in the day when he was living in the Keys, he and Lydia loved to fish and had their secret fishing spots. Rudi had a love for Cocker Spaniels and adopted several senior dogs throughout the years. He enjoyed walking his dog through the neighborhood and loved to stop and talk to everyone. One of Rudi’s greatest joys was driving up to Jacksonville to be with his daughters and granddaughters and he hoped to live there one day.
Rudi is survived by his wife Lydia of 51 years; daughters Manuela and Kim; grandchildren Shawn, Mackenzie, and Piper; great-grandchild Ella; son Craig and daughter Simara along with other grandchildren who live in Canada; his sister Gisela who lives in Germany; and sons-in-law Brian and Bobby.
Celebration of Life will be held at the Kendall Town Clubhouse 10333 SW 76th street, Miami, FL. 33173 on Sunday June 27th from 2:00 - 4:00.
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