Edward Francis Ruddock

Devoted Husband

And Father

Edward Francis Ruddock, 93, of Newtown, died peacefully at home, on October 4, surrounded by his family. It was his birthday. Mr Ruddock was born in Lynn, Mass., in 1918, the son of Mary (Dillon) and Ernest Ruddock.

Married for 60 years to the love of his life, Elizabeth “Beth” Ruddock, who passed away in 2003, the Ruddocks met in Providence, R.I., and were married on October 12, 1943. They raised a family of five children and both were proud grandparents, with Mr Ruddock a great-grandfather, which brought him much joy.

As a member of the “Greatest Generation,” Mr Ruddock was a commissioned officer in the United States Navy, and served bravely in War World II in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1946, as the engineering and then executive officer aboard the PC 1569.

He was a graduate of the University of Maine. A mechanical engineer by training, he spent the majority of his career with Carrier Corporation, where he retired as an executive after 30 years, in 1981. The Ruddocks moved from Camillus, N.Y., to Westport, Mass., where they lived for nearly 20 years. They moved to Newtown in 1999.

His greatest joy was his family. He will be greatly missed by his family of five children and their spouses, Joyce and Charlie Foster of Newtown, Ted and Susan of Southbury, Lynne and David Goodfellow of Sarasota, Fla., Jim and Ginger of Baldwinsville, N.Y., and Betsy Szel of Westport, Mass. He has ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Jack McCutcheon and his wife, Shirley.

Mr Ruddock is fondly remembered by everyone he met. He was a gentleman through and through, and a shining example to his children and grandchildren.

He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and UConn Women’s Basketball.

His family will receive friends Saturday, October 8, from 10 to 11 am, at Fern Acres Funeral Home in Little Compton, R.I. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11 am. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved Beth in Westport, Mass.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Attention Donor Services, PO Box 650309, Dallas TX 75265-0309.

The Newtown Bee        October 7, 2011