Calvin Edward Rucker
Calvin Edward Rucker
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Calvin Rucker Obituary
He was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 7, 1931, the son of the late William and Dorothy Rucker. He attended Bowling Green State University, where he played football. He then graduated from Whittenberg University.
He spent a lifetime of dedication to both educating and coaching at all levels, while also passionate about history, music and his faith. He made an impact on so many. Growing athletic programs and most importantly, children into men. With success at Susquehanna Valley, Johnson City and at the semi-pro level with the TC Jets, he was a champion, a mentor and a pillar of the community.
He was survived by his loving wife Shirley; two children Pamela Cenedella and Kevin Rucker; stepdaughter Kim (Buddy) Schwarz; grandchildren Rob (Karen) Mischler, Ritch (Amy) Mischler, Mike (Corinne) Rucker, Chris (Carissa) Rucker, Nate and Scott; and many great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his brothers Gene Rucker and Don Rucker; and his daughter Jeanette Silic.
A service to celebrate Cal Rucker's life will be held at 1:00 on July 21, 2025 at Landmark Church, located at 126 Court Street, Binghamton NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
10 Entries
Lynne Simmons
Yesterday
I had the honor and privilege to coach with Cal at Johnson City for many years and also with him with the BC Jets.
Cal was a true gentleman and a man of integrity-and one of the finest,most successful football coaches in the entire Southern Tier of NY.
He treated his coaches and players with respect and was an excellent mentor to us all.
He had complete mastery of all technical aspects of coaching football.
He developed discipline,effort,mental toughness and CLASS in all of his players.
After he retired,I was able to visit Cal every year on family trips North.
He was a great friend and he will be sorely missed.
Lynne Simmons
Rob Hyde
July 19, 2025
Coach Rucker was an incredible sports coach and life coach.
He took and molded me when I was a young man and through sports, he instilled hard work, ethics and never fail attitude. I remember calling coach up and telling him how I played basketball for approx. 45 years at many good levels and letting him know when I got my first head coaching job. He said to me, Rob, im proud of you and I want you to remember that your coaching young men and while you want to be tough and take it seriously, you need to remember, character first, respect second and sports last.
He made more of a difference in my life than he will ever know.
Miss you coach!
Mike Dow
July 19, 2025
I didn't have Cal as a teacher in high school, but got to know him in recent years as a member of Landmark Church. He was a tremendous guy with very strong faith. We often had conversations about Politics and College Football. I will miss those. My deepest condolences to Shirley and the entire Rucker family.
Thomas Stebbins
July 19, 2025
Pam, Kevin and the Rucker family, my sincere condolences. I am one of the few that can say I played for coach at two different levels ! I had an awful lot of respect for coach ! May he rest in peace !
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Chuck ( Charles ) Rolston
July 19, 2025
He was my history teacher, not my favorite class but the man really impressed me !
Brenda Booth Young
July 19, 2025
My condolences to the family. He was a phenomenal history teacher who influenced my interest in history. At our 30 year reunion I so enjoyed listening to the guys talk about his influences on them as their coach. Pam and Kevin- much love to you both and your families.
Mary Harrington
July 19, 2025
So sorry for your loss Pam your dad was so great in every thing he did prayers are going out to you and your family at this time
Ritch Roby
July 19, 2025
With great sadness I learned of Coach's passing. I want to send my deepest heartfelt sympathy to his family and the thousands of lives he touched through teaching and coaching. May he RIP.
Kathleen Cron
July 19, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
WESLEY Allen
July 19, 2025
You will always be remembered Wesley Allen
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