Farmington: On Sunday, August 23, 2020, Steve Ruderman, loving father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Mt. Morris, NY. He was 78 years old.
Steve was born on January 24, 1942 in The Bronx, NY to the late Jack Ruderman and Augusta Siegel Ruderman. He went to The Bronx High School of Science and graduated from New York University where he majored in English and Education. He later received his Master’s in Communications from Framingham State University. He spent his summers in Parksville, NY where his grandparents owned a hotel. Steve was married in 1963 and had two daughters, Dara and Michele. Steve lived in Yorktown for many years where he raised his daughters and opened Aquarius Communications and Copy-Rite printing stores as well as a used book store. Steve was a Councilman in town and was very involved in local politics. He later moved to New Bern, NC to teach English and film at Pamlico Community College in Grantsboro where he received the Outstanding Instructor Award. Steve later retired and moved closer to his grandchildren in Farmington, NY as well as a brief stay in Bethel, CT.
A curmudgeon with a rebellious nature, Steve was always willing to listen with an open heart and give his non-judgmental advice. He never met a dog he didn’t like and loved to spoil his grand-dogs. Steve loved to garden and started vegetable gardens for the residents in his senior living apartments and later at his nursing home.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Jack and Mother, Augusta. He is survived by his daughters Dara Pavia (Frank) and Michele Hunt (John), grand children, Jessica, Hudson, Zachary, Jackson, Jordan, Jessica, Jailyn and great granddaughter, Aria, his sister Marcia Smith, cousins Barbara Krongel, Michael Krongel, Harvey Siegel, Jeffrey Siegel, Stephan Siegel, nieces Janine and Lisa and nephew, Mott, as well as many close friends.
A memorial service will be held for family in Parksville, NY next month. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Livingston County Center for Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Activities Fund for a raised bed garden in Steve’s honor (585) 243-7222 or the Victor/Farmington Library (585) 924-2637. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I was sorry hear of Steve Ruderman’ s passing. I was in his English classes and film class. He was an excellent instructor. Prayers for peace for the family.
To the family of Steve Ruderman:I met and worked with Steve at Pamlico Community College in Grantsboro, NC. He was such a pleasant person and a joy to be around. I still have the book he autographed and gave to me. I was so sad to learn of his passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
I am sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I was a student of his at Pamlico Community College in 1997. He was a great instructor and I enjoyed our conversations and my time spent with him sitting in the gazebo outside of the college. I still have a copy of the book he had published which he was very proud of.
I am so sorry for your loss and wanted each of you to know how grateful I am to have come to know him. He was a true “Renaissance man” and a gentleman in every sense of the word. One of our last talks was about the difference between bees and wasps ! I know he has left many memories that will bring you comfort in the days ahead…. thank you for sharing him with all of us at the CNR.
To all of Steve’s family, especiallly Michelle & Dara – expressing sympathy is always difficult, but all I can say is how sorry I am. May you find peace, comfort and hope during this difficult time.