Sanford Longstreet "Sandy" Rugen

3/17/1948 - 6/10/2023

Charlestown, R.I. - Sanford Longstreet "Sandy" Rugen, 75, of Charlestown, R.I., died June 10, 2023, in Westerly, R.I. He was in treatment for glioblastoma, which had been diagnosed only several months earlier.

Born in Stafford Springs, March 17, 1948, to Margery "Peggy" Valentine Rugen and Richard Longstreet Rugen, Sandy attended local schools and then matriculated at Mount Hermon School (now Northfield Mount Hermon), where he excelled, earning the Bausch and Lomb Award for achievement in science. He then attended Harvard College, earning a full U.S. Navy R.O.T.C. scholarship. At Harvard, Sandy enjoyed R.O.T.C. training at an often challenging and unpopular time for young Americans participating in military service. He also competed in rowing and was an active member of Phoenix SK Club. He fulfilled his naval training during summers and was commissioned as an ensign concurrent with his graduation from Harvard in 1970. Sandy then served four years in the U.S. Navy, a time he regarded as a highlight of his life. Stationed in San Diego, Calif., and later in Bremerton, Wash., he served several tours of duty in the Pacific, including war duty in Vietnam, and was promoted to lieutenant.

Back in civilian life, he graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law, passed the bar, and began his professional service at Hartford Superior Court. Sandy lived many years in his hometown of Stafford Springs and particularly enjoyed the company of his dear friend, the late Juanita P. Scism. In his later years, he resided at Quonochontaug Central Beach, Charlestown, and provided supportive and loving assistance to his mother following the death of his father in 1998, and until her death in 2019.

Sandy is survived by his brother James S. Rugen and his wife Nancy B. Rugen of Windsor; and by his sister Kate V. Rugen and her partner Alix R. Ogden of Stonington. Additionally, Sandy is survived by many cousins and their families and by a large number of friends whose loyalty and companionship gave him much joy.

An attorney by training, Sandy was an engineer by inclination. He had a lifetime fascination with all things mechanical: cars, ships, airplanes. One of his greatest pleasures was to cruise the beautiful back roads of New England on his motorcycle. He appreciated many kinds of music, but country above all; Merle Haggard's voice and lyrics spoke to him deeply.

Sandy's family and friends will fondly remember his unwavering friendship, his amusement at life's ironies, and his many gestures of kindness. Arrangements are private and handled by Mystic Funeral Home (mysticfuneralhome.com), Mystic. The family wishes to thank the staff of Apple Clipper Rehabilitation, Westerly, for the care given and compassion shown to Sandy in his final months.