The owner of a successful Black Country family jewellers — founded more than 70 years ago — has died suddenly aged 64, it was announced today.

Tony Rudell led Rudells Jewellers in Darlington Street, Wolverhampton, for decades.

He suffered a stroke at his Edgbaston home on Thursday morning.

He was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Selly Oak but did not regain consciousness and died peacefully at 2pm on Friday.

Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral at Birmingham Jewish Cemetery yesterday.

The company was established by Mr Rudell’s late father Justin on Valentine’s Day in 1938, selling leather and fancy goods. It expanded into jewellery in 1950 and also has a branch in Harborne, Birmingham.

Tony Rudell joined the family business in 1966 at the age of 20.

Born in 1946 to Justin and Etta Rudell, “Roundy”, as he was known to friends, was heavily involved in charity work as well as developing the business.

Jon Weston, managing director of Rudells, said today his friend would leave a lasting memory with those who knew him as a man with “indomitable spirit, unlimited kindness and an inspirational love of life”.

“To say that he will be greatly missed does not adequately cover the huge loss that so many of us will feel.”

Mr Rudell leaves behind wife Patricia, known as Ricky, and an extended “family” of close friends.