Richard Sidney Ruby

Raleigh

Richard Sidney Ruby, a retired Raleigh jeweler, businessman and a past president of Beth Meyer Synagogue, died January 21 at his home in Raleigh, the city where he had lived for more than 65 years. He was 94.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on September 24, 1922, he, his brother, Sam, and their father would later own and run a small chain of jewelry stores in North Carolina cities, first in Greensboro and later extending from Charlotte to Kinston, including Land's, on Raleigh's Fayetteville Street, and Raleigh Jewelry Company, on Capital Boulevard.

Richard was raised in Greensboro and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before moving to New York to pursue a career in music. A student of Hymie Shertzer, lead alto saxophonist for the Benny Goodman Orchestra, he played alto saxophone, clarinet, and flute professionally as a member of dance bands recorded by the RCA and Capitol labels. After being drafted into the army during World War II, he became a member of the 62nd Army Band.

While on a brief furlough in New York, he met in his future wife, Sylvia Greenberg, with whom he had corresponded for months as a pen pal, introduced through mutual friends. They married in 1947, moving to Durham and later, in 1950, to Raleigh. Sylvia became president of the League of Voters, a member of the Wake County School Board, and Vice President of the United Way of Wake County, before her death in 2007.

Richard served two terms as president of Beth Meyer Synagogue and for more than a decade was head of the Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery.

He is survived by a daughter, Barbara Ruby, of Greensboro; a son, Robert Ruby, of Baltimore, MD; daughter-in-law, Holly Selby; and a grand-daughter, Kiera Ruby, both of Baltimore.

The family would like to thank the care givers from Home Instead Senior Care for their caring support and assistance to Richard, as well as friends and neighbors who showed their care and concern.

A graveside service will be held at Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery, 450 N. State Street, at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 24, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Richard S. and Sylvia G. Ruby Fund at the Triangle Community Foundation, PO Box 12729, Durham, NC 27709, or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary's Street, Raleigh.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Jan. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ruby

Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory.

6 Entries

Donna Rothenbuhler

March 7, 2017

I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Ruby has passed. I had only known him for a short time (1yr.) and he truly stole my heart. I had the honor of assisting with his medical needs at his medical providers office. We spoke regularly on the phone until hospice was called in. He even made me his Valentine last year. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. Again, I am sorry for your loss and I am sorry I did not hear about this sooner. I would have liked to attend his service. My deepest sympathies. Donna R. CCMA

Tokovia W

January 25, 2017

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel... My condolences to the family as I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Ruby's passing. He was so sweet to the staff of RVS, it always warmed our hearts when he came into the office. We were so excited to make a birthday card for him this last birthday as he was so happy that we thought enough to remember his special day. Many blessings to the family and may he rest in peace...

January 23, 2017

Dear Robert and Barbara,

Your father was a fine man and a true gentleman. I always thought of him as the gentle giant of the family.

Love,

Neil Vick

January 23, 2017

Mr. Ruby was a wonderful fellow, a progressive thinker, a devoted husband and father, and very good company indeed. What a long and productive and generous life.
Jim Jenkins

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William Sasser

January 23, 2017

I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of Mr.
Richard Ruby. I was employed by Richard and his brother Sam for about twenty five years and found Richard to always be a man on honor and dignity. It was my pleasure to have known Richard and to have worked with him. Bless the family and may he Rest in Peace. William N. Sasser

Sandy Weinstein

January 22, 2017

I am so sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Ruby. He and his wife, Sylvia were good friends of my parents. Please accept my deepest sympathies. He was a wonderful person.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results