Louis F. Ruder Jr.

Dr. Louis F. Ruder, Jr 1919 - 2007 HADLEY - Dr. Louis F. " Fred" Ruder, Jr., 87, a longtime Hadley resident passed away peacefully Monday afternoon at the VA Medical Center in Leeds, Mass. Fred was born on May 2, 1919 in Northampton, the son of the late Louis F. & Elizabeth (Manning) Ruder, Sr. He was raised in Northampton, receiving his education in Boston, he graduated from the Governor's Academy (formerly Governor Dummer Academy). Fred entered the US Army during World War II, serving with the Army Air Corps. He attained the rank of Captain and served as a Fighter Pilot with the 121st Army Air Force Unit, flying a P-47 in the European theatre of operations. He saw combat in Sicily and Italy and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Unit Badge with Oak Leaf Clusters and the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three bronze stars. After returning home, he attended and received his Ph.D from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Fred joined Stan Home Products in Easthampton and was the Director of Research & Development until his retirement in 1976. He leaves his wife, Dorothy Templeton Ruder; his children, Diane Reynolds of Long Beach, CA, Thomas Ruder of San Diego, CA, Frederick Ruder of Jackson, MS, Susan Templeton Chutkowski of West Springfield, MA and Joel Templeton of Myrtle Beach, SC., as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also leaves a dear friend of the family, Mrs. Lena Stanek of Easthampton, MA. A private internment in Spring Grove Cemetery with Military Honors will be held Friday. The Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton has been entrusted with arrangements.