Donald J Ruddy

Donald Joseph Ruddy was born in 1948 in Brick, NJ. His formative years were spent in the halls of St. Mary's Academy in Lakewood, NJ, and Mother of the Savior (Salvatorian) Seminary in Blackwood, NJ. Then, as a young man, Donn departed the seminary and ardently followed his dream of acting. He refined his talents at Ocean County Community College and Rutgers University, and captivated audiences in repertory theaters and other stages nationwide for 15 vibrant years. Together with his wife Charlotte and two daughters, he ventured to distant corners of the country, embracing new horizons and forming lifelong bonds. In the mid-1980s, Donn settled in Vernon, NJ, and in a reflection of his many talents and interests, transitioned careers, embracing roles in golf course groundskeeping and then real estate. Retirement beckoned in the early 2000s, and he and Charlotte split their time between Barnegat, NJ, and Sunny Isles, FL, eventually remaining full-time in Sunny Isles. They savored retirement by sailing, hosting loved ones, visiting grandchildren, and traveling the world. Donn was known for his love of the ocean, beautiful singing voice, and tasty cosmos. He had a natural athleticism, making him great company on a ski mountain and a vicious opponent on the tennis court. In the midst of our grief, we find solace in the memories we shared with him, including family trips to Disney World and the islands, 4th of July parties, sunny days on La Dulce Vida, 3-for-1s at Porterhouse, long stories at the dinner table and on the terrace, and of course his famous Christmas pants. Donn was pre-deceased by his father, William Donald Ruddy; his mother, Geraldine (Kindle) Ruddy; his sister, Gay; brother, Frederick (Ricky); and brother, Henry (Champ). He leaves behind his wife, Charlotte, with whom he shared everything for over 53 years; his daughter, Lara Ruddy Schlichting, son-in-law, Don, and granddaughter, Holly; his daughter, Alisha Ruddy Pollastri, son-in-law, Mike, and grandchildren, Xavier and Norah. He also leaves in mourning his sisters, Barbara (Ruddy) Donald of Vernon, NJ and Kathleen (Ruddy) Mainiero of Ormond Beach, FL. Donn loved his many cousins like his own siblings and adored his nieces and nephews like they were his own children. His close friends are a beloved part of the family. All those who were fortunate to know him will miss his warm smile and his presence in their lives. Though sorrow hangs heavy, let us remember Donn for his capacity to chase dreams relentlessly, love unconditionally, and live expansively. In honor of Donn’s vibrant life, we invite all those who knew and cherished him to join his friends and family for a funeral Mass and memorial luncheon, beginning at 11am on September 16, 2023 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Sunny Isles Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a donation in Donn’s name to the American Lung Association (action.lung.org), Alzheimers Association (alz.org), or Appalachia Service Project (asphome.org/give). These three causes were close to Donn’s heart; your support would be a meaningful way to honor his memory and legacy of generosity.

Donald J Ruddy

March 19, 1948 - August 20, 2023

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