Rudolph launched his pork rinds snack business back in 1955 and continued to work in the company for the rest of his life.
He held several leadership roles in the snack industry including time as chairman of the SFA, the Food Industries Center at the Ohio State University and the Young Presidents Organization.
“The Snack Food Association and its members mourn the loss of a key industry leader, former SFA chairman, and friend, John E. Rudolph,” said president and CEO of SFA Jim McCarthy.
“He was also the 2001 recipient of the SFA Circle of Honor Award, the industry’s highest honor,” McCarthy added.