"To the Ruddy FAMILY, First let me extend our sympathies in the loss of your Dad. What a guy he was! Such a gentleman and suave fellow to say the least. When one becomes "an orphan" after the death of an elderly parent there is a void in one's heart but just think of the amount of time you had them to make such everlasting good memories. We enjoyed a dinner or two when your folks came to visit and always enjoyed the conversation that took place. Thanks for putting some pictures on the funeral home website as we certainly enjoyed looking at them. We can see your mom and dad in all of you. Our sympathies to all of you. Dorothy and Chuck Bowen Edgerton, Wi 53534"
In loving memory of
John Ruddy
January 30, 1925 - October 30, 2016
John Ruddy, 91, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida passed away October 30th, 2016. He was born January 30th, 1925, in England, the son of Thomas Ruddy and Mary (Healy) Ruddy.
John spent his early years in England and Ireland, attending the Northeast College Jesmond, Malvern College and the Royal Institute, studying radio, radar and physics. He served both the British and the American Military in the research and development of the radar during World War II. He also served on the British Scientific Staff during the war.
John came to the United States in 1946, settling in Philadelphia, PA. He then moved to Hawaii as a Field Service Engineer for the Philco Corp. While in Hawaii, John met and married his beloved wife Dorothy Mae Irish. Hawaii as home base, John spent time working in Guam, Japan, the Philippines and China.
John and Dorothy lived in many locations in the U.S. and abroad, including California, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Michigan, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, France, Morocco, Iran, Germany and Belgium, while he worked in the International and Domestic Aerospace Operations of Ford Motor Company, while retiring in 1988.
After retirement, John became active with Hospice Care in San Francisco and Washington, DC. He continued his passion for Hospice when they moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1999 where he served on the board of Hospice Care of Broward County, and was a long-time member of St. Anthony Church.
John is survived by his children, Michael (Tami), Maureen (Grant), Vanessa (Jeff) and Thomas; Grandchildren, Mischa, Jordan, Kiersi, Grant, Michael and Blake; Great-granddaughter, Silvi; Brother, Jim and Sister, Patricia. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Dorothy Mae in 2013; Their daughter, Anne Elizabeth in 1991; his parents and his brother, Thomas.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fred Hunter's Downtown Ft. Lauderdale Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Ft. Lauderdale. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Please visit www.fredhunters.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.
Tributes
"God bless you John. From the first day I met John over 30 years ago he was always a gracious host. John had a quick wit, intelligence and was always ready to smile and tell a funny story. May you rest in peace. Edward and Dale Ostrowski III"
"Such a wonderful man that I was so happy to know as a friend. We spent many good times laughing together & sharing stories. God bless you John for your great contributions to all of us. "
"I had the pleasure of being Mr. Ruddy's neighbor and was saddened to hear about the loss. He was such a kind, interesting and happy man. I have enjoyed getting to know him and his family and send condelences to them and loved ones. May you take comfort in all the memories you've made and shared. God bless. "
"John was always a sweet man the couple times I've met him in my life. Sending Sunshine and prayers to his family at this time and smiling knowing he is with his family and friends in Heaven and the love of his life, Dorothy. Please take care of yourselves, everyone. "