Richard Clair Pruett, Jr.

Rich Pruett, of Drexel Hill, PA, 3rd generation owner of Clair Pruett Studios, professional photographer, talented drummer of the band, Rugby Road, campaign manager for his wife Dasha’s congressional race, and beloved husband, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to the thousands of people who knew him, died at the age of 56 on August 5, 2025 from a sudden heart attack.

Raised in Newtown Square, PA, he was the eldest of 4 children. He attended St. Aloysius Academy, Archmere Academy and graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School in 1987. One of his greatest passions in life was music, and his love for the Grateful Dead was known by many. His passion for music began at St. Aloysius when he started drumming for the middle school band. In high school, he went on to co-found several bands, and it was their lively gigs that brought joy and happiness to friends and fans over the years.

Notably, he joined Rugby Road, a Philadelphia area jam band known for their blend of rock, soul, funk and jazz. They went on to record 3 albums of original songs and Rich shared unforgettable moments with his band, playing alongside legendary artists such as Phish, the Jerry Garcia Band, Peter Frampton, Maceo Parker, the Allman Brothers, and the Samples. Whether on stage or in a jam session, Rich's drums carried the heartbeat of who he was - vibrant, dependable and full of life.

In his early twenties, Rich joined the family photography business where his natural talent, artistic eye and dedication were recognized. Over the years, he took on the role as president, upholding the studio’s legacy of excellence and its tradition of preserving meaningful moments for families and businesses alike.

Later in life, he took on the role of Campaign Manager when his wife, Dasha, ran for Congress in Pennsylvania. This role sparked a passion within him that was contagious to everyone around him. His dedication and enthusiasm for Dasha was notable, gaining him media attention from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Financial Times to various radio talk shows. He poured his heart into every moment of that journey, and those who supported them will never forget his warmth, his hope, and his relentless belief in something bigger than himself.

He is survived by his wife, Dasha, and his family, Mary Ellen Pruett of Haverford, PA, Claire Ann Richards of Newtown Square, PA, John and Ania Pruett of Wayne, PA, Kara and Paul Ullmann of Cockeysville, MD, Kristin Pruett of New York, NY and Frieda Rakhman and her sons Alex, Graham and Harrison from Atlanta, GA, along with his 2 step-children and their partners, Nicholas and Alicia Alexander and their daughter, Cora, from Wellington, CO, and Katherine and Alex Ellenbogen from Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by his two nephews, John Paul Pruett and Michael John Ullmann and his two nieces, Charlotte Simmons Ullmann and Isabelle Marie Pruett.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, August 11th at 11 am at St. Denis Church in Havertown, PA with visitation hours beginning at 9:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider helping Dasha. Your generosity and support is much appreciated. Click here for the GoFundMe account.