G. William Ruhl, 73, of Mt. Gretna, died peacefully at home on Thursday, November 29, 2012. He was the husband of Caroline K. Ruhl. He was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn Dietrich Ruhl.
Bill was born in Lancaster to the late Harry and Mary (Hartz) Ruhl on June 17, 1939.
Bill was a graduate of Danville High School and had a Bachelor of Science degree from Lehigh University (1961) in Electrical Engineering. Immediately after graduation from Lehigh, he was employed by Bell Of Pennsylvania and worked for Bell for over 30 years. He was a registered Professional Engineer and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. After retiring from Verizon, he became CEO of D&E Communications in Ephrata, PA. While employed by D&E, he was also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Monor Telephone Company in Hungary from 1994 to 1999. He represented the United States Telecom Association (USTA) on the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions, the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the Board of Trustees of the Harrisburg University.
Since his retirement from D&E Communications, he had been active in several other organizations such as the General Manager of the Central Pennsylvania Symphony where he played string bass. He was on the Board of Directors for Advanced Cooling Technologies in Lancaster; he was president of the Lebanon Community Concert Band and played in the Washington Concert Band. He played French horn in both bands, the Lebanon Community Concert Band and the Washington Concert Band. He served in the Air Force Reserves.
In addition to his wife, Caroline, he is survived by his son, David Ruhl, and wife, Jill, and their two children, Erica and Benjamin. He is survived by his daughter, Marianne Nikas, and husband, Alexander, and their two children, Cole and Sophia. In addition, he is survived by 3 step-daughters and their husbands, plus 14 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, James and his wife, Gretchen, and their two sons, Bill and Jon, and their wives and four grand nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and relatives at their church on Tuesday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 6098 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, Pa. 17109 at 9:30 to 10:30. Rev. Robert Eickelberg will officiate at the service which will begin at 10:30 AM. Members of the Central Pennsylvania Symphony and the Lebanon Community Concert Band will play for the service. Burial will be at the discretion of the family at a later date in Danville, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Pennsylvania Symphony, PO Box 55, Hummelstown, Pa. 17036, the Lebanon Concert Committee Band, PO Box 1547, Lebanon, Pa. 17042, Harrisburg University, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, or Trinity Presbyterian Church, 6098 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, Pa. 17109. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. 126 S. 9th St. Lebanon, Pa. is entrusted with the arrangements.
You may share your thoughts and memories with the family at our on line guest book at www.thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com
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5 Entries
Bill was my first boss, my mentor and friend. He inspired me to buy a new trombone, the old one had rusted out, and play with him in the Bell Pioneer Band in Harrisburg. I cherish my memories of those days, and a part of me has gone to heaven with Bill. God bless your soul, Bill! You made a huge difference in this ine' life.
Mark Emery
December 15, 2012
Dave and Family, Sorry to learn of your loss. May God Bless you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Rita Eaves
December 3, 2012
Bill provided a great example to those who knew him in the business world of how to be a true professional. He will be missed.
Kent Whiting
December 3, 2012
We will miss Bill. He was a gentle spirit and a great musician.
Mary Zehring
December 2, 2012
Sorry to hear about Bill. I always enjoyed being with him on our ski trips. He will be missed.
Jim Moyer
December 2, 2012
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