We are very saddened to report to you that Nick Rudelic passed away Friday, October 2nd after a long illness. Nick was 85. His wife Barb is in our thoughts and prayers as well as all of Nick’s family. Nick is the one who brought future Florida FAIRtax State Director, Ron Maiellaro, into the movement. Ron writes:
“Our friendship with Nick and Barb goes back over ten years when we started attending presentations on the FAIRtax that they hosted. After reading The FAIRtax Book, by Boortz & Linder in 2005, we knew it was something we wanted to help out with. However, our business kept us from getting involved until 2009. At that time Nick & Barb were making presentations around Marion County. We attended one and were hooked.
“Nick and Barb did everything possible to nurture our interest. We also became fast friends.
“There are many great FAIRtax volunteers in Florida and around the country but we never found anyone more devoted, passionate and creative than Nick Rudelic. He was constantly thinking of new ways to promote the FAIRtax. Sometimes they were simple ideas such as ordering and distributing campaign buttons and pens (before there was a FAIRtax store) and sometimes they were big, bold ideas such as the FAIRtax “Mobile Command Center—a motorhome covered in FAIRtax decals.”
“If we could have tapped Nick's enthusiasm and energy and given it to others around the country, we're sure the legislation would have passed by now. The man was the ‘Energizer Bunny’ of FAIRtax volunteers. “
Nick was born on June 4, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan. After serving in the Army in Korea, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Nick demonstrated great skills in organizing, marketing and working with people and, as a result, had his hands in many undertakings. Following a teaching position in Detroit, Nick operated the Continental Asphalt Paving company, in Detroit. Nick retired from Jack Demmer Ford in Westland, Michigan, where he was in charge of leasing and sales.
Traveling and flying were his passions. Nick started the Nomad Travel Club in Detroit, which had its own plane at Detroit Metro Airport. He organized “mystery trips” to Haiti and other destinations. Nick learned how to be general aviation pilot. You’d find him flying his Cessna Cardinal.
Land travel also ranked highly. Nick could be seen driving an RV, which was later dubbed the “FairTax bus.”
FAIRtax insignia appeared prominently on the RV because, one defining day, Nick and his wife, Barb, attended a FAIRtax meeting in Orlando. Since then, Nick and Barb drove around the State of Florida promoting the FAIRtax. Guests in the RV included future Florida Senator and Governor, Ron DeSantis, and, of course, Neal Boortz.
Nick delivered his first FAIRtax talk at La Hacienda in The Villages, Florida. A mesmerized attendee asked, “When can I vote for this?”
Nick made some of the first FAIRtax gear in Florida, starting with buttons, progressing to shirts, embroidery, and flannel white jackets.
Nick put up FAIRtax billboards in Florida prolifically. He once found a commercial billboard with the words, “God, give us a sign.” The casual motorist could see that, because Nick was busy, the Deity answered. There was a FAIRtax sign underneath!
Nick is survived by Barbara, his wife of 45 years and 5 children – four sons and a daughter – eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.
We honor Nick by continuing the cause that he so loved.
Yours In the FAIRtax Movement!
Jim Bennett
AFFT Grassroots Coordinator & Secretary
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