Obituary of Edgar J. Ruthig

Edgar J. Ruthig passed away peacefully on June 21 following a brief illness. Born March 12, 1918 to Matilda and joseph Ruthig, Edgar was raised in Woodhaven, NY and graduated from Richmond Hill High School. He was active in the Boy Scouts, and achieved rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Columbia University School of Optometry and entered the field of optometry, operating a private practice, first with his father and thereafter by himself for many years in both Woodhaven and Huntington, NY. During the Second World War he enlisted in the US Army and served honorably as a lieutenant in the campaigns in North Africa, Italy and France. Edgar married Lucille Krebs in February, 1943 and they settled in Woodhaven, NY where their three sons were born. The family moved to Huntington in 1951. He and Lucille moved to Ithaca in 1970 where he continued practicing optometry. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, and served as an elder. He was a loving husband, devoted to his family. He found real enjoyment when surrounded by his sons, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He had varied interests that including reading, woodworking, and golf. He and Lucille were longtime members of the Ithaca Country Club and Edgar could regularly be seen playing the golf course into his 90th year, always walking. Edgar was deeply loved by his wife of 65 years who predeceased him. He is survived by their three sons, Alan (Nora) of Manlius, Russell (Linda) of Cortland and Donald (Karen) of Glen Arm, MD; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A private committal service will be held at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, July 13, at First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca NY. Contributions in Edgar's memory should be directed to the Church, or to the charity of one's choice. Dear Russ, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. You and I go back 26 years and I will remember the good times at the CCC, I always thought you were a class act. Rick Partigianoni Dear Linda and Russ, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Although the loss of a parent is part of the life cycle it's never easy when the time actually comes. The fact that he and your mother are together again is one of the things that will hopefully bring you some comfort. Dick and Connie Elliott Dear Russ and family, I'm sad to learn of the loss of your dear father. We never have the ones we love with us long enough. You will remember the wonderful person your father was, and you'll always remember the love. In peace, Joan Flatt