Joseph Ruzicka Jr.

Joseph Vernon Ruzicka, Jr. MATTHEWS - Mr. Ruzicka, 90, passed away on October 3, 2015. Joseph was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 4, 1925. His family moved to Greensboro, NC, in 1928 where he attended the Greensboro public schools. He entered the US Navy during World War II, where he served with both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. After discharge in 1946, he enrolled in UNC-Chapel Hill, where he graduated with a degree in business administration. While a student there in 1948, he married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret Carolyn Hoffman, who predeceased him. After graduation in 1950, he entered the family bookbinding business in Greensboro, and subsequently assumed the role of manager after his father's death in 1952. While living in Greensboro he was involved in many civic activities. He served on the Board of Directors for the local council of the Boy Scouts of America. He also served as treasurer for Our Religious Heritage Foundation. He was appointed by the mayor of Greensboro to a select committee for overseeing the design, construction, and financing of the Governmental Center in Greensboro. He was a charter member and past president of the Crescent Rotary Club of Greensboro. In 1964, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by NC Governor Terry Sanford; this is the highest honor awarded to a citizen of N.C. other than military. He is survived by his children, Joseph Vernon Ruzicka, III, of Germantown, TN and Lisa Ruzicka Barlow of Matthews. He is also survived by three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. There will be a private family service at the Veterans Cemetery in Salisbury on October 9. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Levine Senior Center of Matthews. Arrangements are in care of Heritage Funeral Home, Indian Trail Chapel. Online condolences may be left at www.heritagecares.com.