Penfield NY: March 12, 2016. Chances are you knew John Ruderman. Saw his smile. Felt his big hugs. But in case you weren’t one of the lucky ones, here’s what you missed.Open arms and a heart too big to fit inside a human chest, but somehow it did. Spoiled beyond measure, but always the first to give to others. Fiercely loyal and unwaveringly honest.
He had 53 great years enjoying the things that he loved: family, friends, dancing, singing, crafts, Disney, the Buffalo Bills, the beach, work, bowling, being a practical joker… Really there wasn’t much John didn’t love, both his passion and excitement for the things he did were contagious.
He joins his beloved mother and father in heaven and leaves behind his three sisters, six nephews and nieces and countless others who would also call him family, all of whom were with him — either physically or in spirit — on Saturday morning when he left us.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday, March 19th beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Spiritus Christi Church, 121 North Fitzhugh Street in Rochester, followed by a cupcakes & coffee reception.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Arc of Monroe County in John’s memory.
I was one of the lucky ones to know John. To see his big smile to feel one of his magnificent hugs, to witness his huge heart. This world would benefit from John’s example as to how to treat each other. He enriched our family beyond measure.
Rest in Peace dear John and… “Go Bills”!
Love, “Mike’s sister”
The way I look at it, we all have another angel, in heaven, to look over us. He’s in God’s care now where he can enjoy the company of his mother, father, and all the other angels that entered before him. Enjoy your wings, John!
Your earthly friend, Gloria
John Was A Very Kind And Loving Guy
We Both Worked Together
We Both Hung Out Together
When It Was Break And Lunch Time
When I Found Out He Lost His Life
To Cancer My Heart Just Sank
He Was My Very Best And Close Friend
He Told Me He Would B THere For Me
It was my very great pleasure and priveledge to know John Ruderman. His life was uncomplicated – everything was good!
He strode through life embracing everyone and everything… His particular delights were birthdays, family gatherings, Special Olympics, Disneyworld, Lake Ontario, pets (especially Sammie) and, notably, the Bills.
Roz, Mike, Carolyn & Sean provided him a loving environment for many years in which John thrived and lived a very full life. John is with other loved-ones in a better place, but not THAT much better.
It’s so heartwarming to see how John’s sweet, loving, affectionate nature touched so many lives of all the people he met throughout his life. What better legacy can a person leave, than to have such a positive impact on the hearts of all the lives who touched his. Might we all be so lucky.
As for me, I can hear his voice calling me “Gee Gee”, as he called me since he was a little boy, always happy to see me with a smile and a hug. I can remember all the homemade gifts he bestowed upon me with his sweet generosity. And I will always think of him every year on my son, Jesse’s birthday, who to Johns great delight, was born on HIS birthday (a fact that he loved to remind me of every single time I saw him!) And I will forever hold dear in my heart the last time I had with him, dancing with happy abandon with me at Amanda’s wedding.
My heart and condolences go out to Johns family, who I know will miss him dearly, but I hope will take comfort in the fact that his memory lives on in the hearts of so many.
Our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your brother John, you are all in our thoughts,at this time of sorrow
My deepest sympathy to the family.I know how much every one loved Jogn especially Kerry and Amanda. I know he is watching over you girl.may he rest in peace
Johns love lives on in the hearts of countless people. I have read so many touching tributes to him these past few days that it’s hard to comprehend the amount of love one person could bestow to so many.
My memories of watching John grow up from just a little boy to a teenager on Jamaica Avenue are so vivid. From watching him run up and down the block with such enthusiasm, to sitting on the stairs that led up to Arleen’s bedroom. And of course the Hugs – there were always warm hugs.
My heart is breaking for the wonderful family he has left behind and the empty feeling you all must have right now, but I can’t help but smile when I think of the hugs and joy at the reunion with his mom and dad and how at peace they all must be right now.
A piece of you will stay in my heart forever John Ruderman.
My heart is filled with sadness for you Roz.
Oh! Roz, I am heartbroken for you! He was doing so well the last I knew. I’m saying prayers and sending love to you and yours. No words will work, but know that if I could find something to say that would help I would say it.
John was someone who just exuded love that you could just feel coming within sight of him.
John will be sadly missed by our family, who considered him a Clancy.
There are so many memories of John… His needlepoint coasters, his necklaces for EVERYONE, Wednesday night dinners, never forgetting any of our birthdays which was always followed up with a Happy Birthday singing phone call.
His kind, generous, honest heart…. No one can fill his shoes.
He will live in our hearts forever.
“Love and Peace” John.
Number 7