Jerome Francis Ruddy

Jerome Francis Ruddy

July 30, 2025

Jerome Francis Ruddy, 88, of Clarks Summit, and formerly of the High Works section of North Scranton, died on Wednesday afternoon at the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, Scranton. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Judith Payne Ruddy.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Francis and Belinda Mills Ruddy, he graduated from Holy Rosary High School, Class of 1955. In August of 1955, Jerry joined the United States Army, proudly serving his country in Germany from 1955-1957.

Jerry worked at Fitchburg Coated Products for 30 years. Upon retirement, Jerry fulfilled a lifelong dream of “becoming a cowboy”. He moved his family to Lenoxville, PA, and enjoyed riding his horses and his country lifestyle. When Jerry and his lovely wife Judy moved back to Clarks Summit in 2005, he traded in his saddle for his golf clubs. Jerry continued enjoying his retirement, participating in The Irish-American Golf League. He enjoyed hundreds of rounds of golf with his best friend Joe Ruddy, and occasionally scouring the woods of Summit Hills for lost golf balls. His “fun days” with his golf buddies were always a highlight, and whether he was on the greens of the course or mowing his fairway in the backyard, he loved them both. Jerry also enjoyed his time as an altar boy, serving at Saint Pius X Catholic Church in Clifford, PA. But, for Jerry, he was at his happiest sitting on his back porch sharing a story and a laugh with his family. Jerry was the quintessential family man. He was one of the kindest persons that you would ever meet. He worked tirelessly to provide his family everything, while always having time to be the loving husband, father, grandfather, son in law, and friend that he was.

Jerry is survived by his son, Anthony Ruddy, Clarks Summit, two daughters, Janet Ruddy, Dunmore, and Mary Kay Ruddy, Scranton, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jerome P. Ruddy, and his grandson Jacob Ruddy, as well as his brother, Command Sergeant Major Francis Joseph Ruddy, and sister, Grace Richards.

The funeral will be conducted on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:30 am in Holy Rosary Church, 320 William Street, Scranton. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday from 4-7 pm at the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 323 William Street, Scranton. Interment following, with full military honors, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

The family would like to thank the numerous staff members at the Gino J. Merli Center for the impeccable care and friendship they provided Jerry throughout his final years. Words cannot express our appreciation for the love and compassion you have shown Jerry. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of you.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, 401 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503.

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