Robert L. Ruddy

Robert L. Ruddy of Clarks Summit, a former fire chief for the city of Scranton's Fire Department, died Monday in the Regional Hospital following a brief illness. His wife of 58 years, the former Rose Curmaci, died December 31, 2011.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Leo and Anna Halligan Ruddy, he was a graduate of St. Patrick's grade school and high school. He was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving with the United States Army. He began his career in the Fire Department of Scranton in 1952. In 1960 he became the Fire Hydrant Inspector and held the rank of Captain. In 1978 he became Chief and began the "Arson Task Force" of which he personally offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of an arsonist without the slightest guarantee that the city would refund the money to him. He also implemented a full-time anti-arson team composed of city firemen who patrolled the Hill Section during the late 1970's into the mid 1980's. He was known as a no-nonsense professional who always projected a quality of honesty that won him public respect. Bob, in his leadership position, had to make many tough decisions. If he saw a situation that constituted a fire threat, he would do something about it. Otherwise, people could die in fires that should have been prevented. Tough decisions like threatening to close ten city schools unless fire code changes were made. He threatened to hold up the opening of the long-term care center of Allied Services for the handicapped unless construction changes were adopted. He did the same when the Mulberry Towers Apartment building was about to open. He raised the prospect of closing Technical High School to force fire safety action. He fought with the Firemen's Union over creation of an arson investigation unit. He fought with City Council over funding cut-backs. And the common denominator in these and other battles was an obvious desire on the Chief's part to make the city safer for its inhabitants. He also fought with public utilities over several issues. For instance, he complained of slow responses by gas and electric workmen at fire scenes. He also sought extension of water services to make fringe areas of the city safer when fires broke out. He was the recipient of many awards throughout his career, most notably, making one of the Top Ten Newsmakers for his dedicated work as Fire Chief in 1979. In 1980, he received a special award from the Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators. Bob ended his 34 year career as a Fireman and Chief with his retirement in 1986. He was also the owner and manager of Ruddy's bar located on Capouse Avenue, which later became the Landmark Bar, which he sold in 1997.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, West Scranton.

He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother who was known as being a very generous man. He possessed a strong faith and attended daily Mass. An avid sports fan, he supported the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies and 76ers and especially loved Penn State football and was a 40-year ticket holder. Bob was a 12-year cancer survivor whose courage and determination was inspirational to many people. He devoted his life to public service and providing safety to the residents of the city Scranton. Bob's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Henry Yeager, Dr. Ira Kohn, Dr. Eric Blomain, Dr. Thomas Dzwonczyk, Dr. Gerard Nealon for their excellent care given to Bob for the past 12 years. Also a special thank you goes out to the Nursing staff of 8 East of the Regional Hospital of Scranton, especially Johnson, Carlin, Holly and Regina, for their kindness and compassion given to Bob.

Surviving are one son, Leo Ruddy and wife, Mary Theresa, Scranton; two daughters, Elizabeth Clymer and husband, Dr. Jay, Clarks Summit; Ann Vance and husband, Vincent, Clarks Green; five grandchildren, Ryan, Tyler, Casey Vance, Candy and Colin Clymer; one great-grandson, Sean Vance; two brothers, Paul Ruddy and wife, Joyce, Scranton; Thomas Ruddy and wife, Lola, Scranton; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Tara Lee Ruddy and Kelly Erin Ruddy; one brother, James Ruddy; and one sister, Mary Ruddy.

The funeral will be Friday with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Oram Street, West Scranton. Entombment, Cathedral Cemetery Mausoleum.

There are no hours of visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's name may be made to St. Patrick's Parish, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton, PA 18504. Arrangements provided by Carl J. Savino Funeral Home, 157 S. Main Ave., West Scranton.