Thomas R. Ruttledge

Ithaca - Thomas R. Ruttledge, a resident of Ellis Hollow in Ithaca, New York, died Tuesday, May 19 at the age of 55. Tom was born July 4, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. A child with bleach blond hair and the bluest of blue eyes, Tom was raised by two loving parents in a family of nine children in the suburbs of Detroit. His affinity for eccentric sunglasses started at an early age, earning him the nickname "TR the Movie Star." Growing up, he loved spending many summers at his maternal grandparents' cottage on Ipperwash Beach on Lake Huron (Ontario, Canada) and his paternal grandparents' home on Lake Michigan (Sawyer, Michigan).

Tom became fascinated with chemistry during an Organic Chemistry course taught by a notoriously difficult professor at Wayne State University. After receiving his Bachelor's Degree, Tom ventured to the University of Chicago to receive his PhD and eventually onto Cornell University for post-doctoral studies. His teaching career included positions at Whitman College, University of Chicago, Earlham College, Ursinus College, and Cornell University.

During his time teaching, Tom was loved and respected by students and colleagues alike. He believed in challenging students-inspiring many to realize their full potential, and his sense of humor and patient explanations will be missed by many. The last three years of his teaching career at Cornell, Tom piloted a program called CHAMPS with the goal to provide rigorous preparation to minority students for the challenges of Organic Chemistry and careers in the sciences. He considered the success of the program and the students to be his greatest accomplishment.

Tom had a passion for new ideas, places, and people. These interests led him all over the world, including some of his favorite locations in Paris, Africa, and the Finger Lakes. There was always a sparkle in his eye when sharing stories of his travels with friends, family, and students.

He was just beginning to enjoy the first months of retirement when on a glorious day after a long and beautiful bike ride, Tom pulled off to the side of the road, unclipped from his bike for the last time, and had his generous heart fail him.

Tom is survived by his mother, Carol, and father, Charles along with siblings Debra Kocaj, Patty Oswald, Jennifer Baerlocher, Robin Wroby, Charles Ruttledge, Krista Biedul, and Jill Henson; he is predeceased by his brother, Michael Ruttledge (1999). In lieu of flowers, please honor Tom's memory by living for today. Those who wish to donate may make a gift to the Cleveland Museum of Art, as Tom was an avid supporter of the arts.

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

Published by Ithaca Journal from May 22 to May 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Ruttledge

Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.

11 Entries

Jaynine

February 20, 2022

Was thinking about Dr. Ruttledge and decided to see if he was still at Cornell and so saddened to hear of his passing. He was thee only chemistry teacher at Ursinus who made chemistry not only understandable but fun. He was an amazing professor and person.

Sue Johnson

August 11, 2020

Tom was my kids favorite babysitter; then after I went back to school at Wayne State as a non-trad, he began as a freshman. I would run into him as he came out of a math class with a TA who barely spoke English—-we frequently talked about his frustration with that. When I moved to Montana as he was moving to Chicago, my ex and I gave him some furniture. When Tom offered to pay for it, I told him that people had given us furniture and services because while my ex was in law school so he should pay it forward by giving grad students a hand when they needed one. Sounds like he did a great job at that.

Christine Stockwell

June 4, 2020

I got to know Tom when he worked in the same lab in the Plant Pathology department at Cornell. He certainly kept the lab lively. I can still hear him sound the alarm, Red Alert, bwooo, bwooo, bwooo! Incoming Ferengi vessel to cargo bay 4. to warn us of an approaching lab tech. I think that he got in a bit of trouble for that.
Later, I followed his travels on fb including his journey to Ethiopia, until he decided to stop using fb. I kept thinking that I would surely run into him at some point around town in Ithaca but sadly never did. Im sure that he was always out and about, interacting and sharing his stories.

Elly Vandegrift

May 28, 2020

I had Tom for several chemistry courses at Earlham College in the 1990s. Tom brought a love of learning, compassion, and humor into the classroom and lab. From Tom, I learned to see all students as real people and to make learning simultaneously joyful and challenging where students are pushed to learn more than they think they are capable of and know they are supported throughout the process. Thank you, Tom for your inspiration and care for a cohort of Earlham science majors.

May 26, 2020

I worked with Tom's dad at Schalm School for many many years. Chuck was so proud of his entire family and I felt like I knew each of them personally. In time I did meet each of the kids and their spouses and then their children came along. Chuck made me feel like I knew them all and that I was almost a part of that IRISH FAMILY. We spoke of Ireland so often and felt like we were related. God bless you all and know that I am thinking of you and my prayers are coming your way. God bless you.

Formal attire for Chemistry lecture.

Sharon Van De Mark

May 26, 2020

ROM

May 25, 2020

Tom had an eye for students who needed him most. I met Tom two years before I ever took a class with him. I struggled considerably during my
freshman year of college for reasons that arent important here. What is important, however, is that Tom saw me struggling and reached out. On one of my many many trips to the gen chem tutoring room, which just so happened to pass Toms always-open-door, he dipped his head out and told me that, while I looked like I was in a hurry at the moment, I should say hi when I had the chance. I cant express what it meant to me at that time to feel seen. I cant say I particularly enjoyed gen chem, or orgo for that matter. But despite not having any particular aptitude for chemistry, I loved orgo lab. I delighted in Toms stories, laughter, and immaculately assembled outfits. Most of all though, I appreciated the time he took to stop and say hello to all of us who really needed it. The world lost a great teacher when we lost Tom. To Tom: Thank you for your passion, laughter, intuition, generosity, and kindness.

John Z

May 25, 2020

Tom was an extremely kind and generous mentor to me and the other TAs for organic chem. He helped instill in me passion for teaching and his enthusiasm was infectious. I'm devastated to hear this and send my condolences to his friends and family.

Sarah Kivela

May 24, 2020

Rest in peace, Tom. You'll be in our hearts forever.
You'll live on in the memories of all the people you touched.

Jill Henson

May 24, 2020

I am extremely heartbroken by the loss of my brother! We always had a close bond throughout the years! We shared many commonalities such as a passion for education, helping students, fitness, food, and politics! My brother enjoyed his life and definitely made the most of it! His travels are indicative of that! He was the most intelligent person I knew because he immersed himself in various cultures around the world and educated himself through experiences! He didnt care for pop culture and Tv and immersed himself in reading, art and history! Tom was very playful and he loved to press the buttons of others;) I can visualize his snicker and cackle as I write this. Most of all, beneath his bold and confident exterior was a soft hearted man that would listen to all your troubles without judgement and talk to you on a serious level. I planned to visit him in June finally because I finally was at a point in my life that allowed me to do that with my children being older. I regret not doing that sooner! I am deeply saddened at this tragedy because Tom had so much more to do in his lifetime and he was excited for this new chapter in life! I will always cherish the memories we had, the advice he gave, and attempt to never put things off for another day anymore. Life is too short and Do what makes you happy!!I will always love you Tom! Love your baby sister JillA.K.A. Sckoogs

Jennifer Baerlocher

May 24, 2020

I love you Tom mama Bear as you called me.

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