Rudolf Martinus Bastiaans

Rudolf “Rudy” Martinus Bastiaans

1932 – 2021

West Springfield – Rudolf “Rudy” Martinus Bastiaans, 88, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2021. Rudy was born on July 23, 1932 in Tanah Grogot, on the island of Borneo in the archipelago of Indonesia to the late Johan F.R. and Mary (Laebens) Bastiaans. 

In his life, Rudy ‘survived’ the Japanese POW camps of WWII, after the war he moved to Holland worked as a wood worker (lost his little finger there) and for Ford Motors Holland (dreamed of owning a Thunderbird). His adventurous soul enlisted him in the Merchant Marine (bore many tattoos from many ports of call). He immigrated to America on June 6, 1960, became a citizen, finally retiring as a sheet metal mechanic (tin knocker) after more than 25 years from Hamilton Standard.

He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

Rudy will be deeply missed by his loving wife Cherry L. (Saegaert) Bastiaans of West Springfield who he spent 59 wonderful years with, his sons David Mark Bastiaans and his wife Angela (Fisher) Bastiaans of Virginia Beach, VA and Paul Martinus Bastiaans and Christiane Sheldon (like a daughter-in-law) of Longmeadow, MA. His grandchildren John Paul Bastiaans and Chloe Paige Bastiaans and Olivia, Madeleine and Samantha Sheldon (like grandchildren). His long time friends, who were more like family, Everett Pitts, Carl Dickman, Gladys Pederosa, David and Sandy Norman, his siblings Arend (Harry), Margareth Jackson, Irenne, Johan (Fred), and Yvonne, and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Rudy was predeceased by his brother John, his sister Greet, and his nephew Roger Bastiaans. 

Rudy’s family would like to thank the caring and wonderful staff of Redstone Nursing Home and Mercy Hospital who brought comfort to Rudolf in his last days.

Services for Rudy will be on Thursday June 17, 2021 in Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow, with calling hours from 12—1pm with a service to follow at 1pm.

Memorial contributions in Rudy’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To leave an online condolence, visit www.forastiere.com