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Gregory Alan Ruzicka

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George Mason University Marymount University Northern Virginia Community College

Gregory Ruzicka Obituary

RUZICKA, GREGORY ALAN

GREGORY ALAN RUZICKA of League City, Texas, born June 3, 1956 in Abington, PA, died unexpectedly early Tuesday, August 10, 2004, at Clear Lake Regional Hospital. He is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 21 years, their three children, Sara Elizabeth, Joseph Stephan, and Michael Gregory; his parents, Joseph and Joan Ruzicka, and his sisters Kris Dudrow and Linda Heizer. Always known for his desire to help others, Greg became a Fairfax City volunteer firefighter at age 18 and after many years of active service, rose to the respected position of Fire Chief.

Greg graduated from Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, VA, received his A.A. from Northern Virginia Community College, his B.S. degree from George Mason University and his MBA from Marymount University.

Greg worked in the medical field for over 25 years. He moved to Texas two years ago from Bel Air, MD to fill a position at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. In Maryland he served the community for over 14 years at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He began his career in the medical field at Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, VA.

Greg has always been actively involved with his children's activities and the community. Coaching soccer and baseball, scorekeeping at ball games, manning the concession stand, making endless trips to the local theater and back and eagerly filming his children performing were just a few ways Greg constantly showed his love and devotion to his children. In addition to being to being a loving husband, father, son and brother, Greg was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Public visitation will be held at JETER MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME in Friendswood, TX on Friday, August 13, 2004 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a rosary being recited at 7 p.m. A celebration of Greg's life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1612 E. Walker, League City, Texas, 77573 with The Reverend Eugene Cargill, M.S. officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 13, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Ruzicka

56 Entries

Tawana Samuels

August 6, 2019

Forever in your hearts and mind

Claire Saunders-Sheehan

September 24, 2004

To the Ruzicka family,

We, Tom, Rob, Beth and Cathy Saunders, send our deepest sympathy and prayers for all of you. I (Claire) knew Greg as a young boy going to school and when he joined the volunteer fire department. He lived just down the street from us and was well liked by all his neighbors. From all the tributes I'ved read, he continued on to be a sterling person. Greg has gone to his eternal rest and would wish you to rejoice in his memory and love.

Liz Schuman

September 22, 2004

Of all the management types I knew at GBMC, Greg was the kindest and most genuine. He also had a tremendous sense of humor, which brought joy to every situation. I am so truly sorry for your loss. May it bring you some measure of comfort to know that Greg's life made a difference to all who knew him.

With my sympathies,

Liz Schuman

Nancy Runton

September 10, 2004

Hi Carol,

I was so sad when Billy Bohem called to offer bad news. I have thought of our European trip often for the past 21 years (right after the wedding). You know we all loved Greg. I am sending a letter to you via St Mary's; I hope that they forward it to you.

All the Best, Nancy

Tony Flores

September 7, 2004

Greg and I were classmates at O'Connell. We also were managers of the baseball team. I didn't keep in touch with him after high school. Back than he was a friendly and very funny guy. I think he was voted most spirited. By reading the guest book tributes, I don't think he changed much.

Rest In Peace.

Paul Sharkey

September 5, 2004

Dear Friends,

It was with great shock and sorrow that I learned of Greg's death. I volunteered at the FVFD Co.#3 from 1977-1987 and also worked woth Greg at Inova. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends, a part of my life is now lost with Gregs passing.

Paul R Sharkey FVFD 1977-1987

[email protected]

Annie Kirkpatrick-Wilkey

August 31, 2004

Dear Ruzicka Family, Cousin Joe and I are first cousins, and I knew my cousin Greg once removed through his Parents eyes and hearts. Along with my husband Steve and our twin boys Jake and Eddie, we send our heartfelt condolences and love.

While no words can comfort you now, when your hearts are ready, we hope this poem will help. It sounds like something Greg might have said:

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow;

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain;

I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there, I did not die.

Love, Annie

Lynda Flurry

August 31, 2004

Carol, Sara, Joey, and all of Greg's family, my deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you through this time. Although I worked with and knew Greg for such a short time, he impacted my life tremendously. He truly knew the value of life, family, friendship and work relationships. And what a wonderful sense of humor! Greg will never be replaced and his sweet memory will continue in all that knew him. God bless and keep you.

Dorothy Kirkpatrick

August 31, 2004

Dear Carol and family, I am the first cousin of Joseph, Greg's Dad. I knew Greg as a child and was always impressed with his joyful outlook, which I understand continued into his adult life. I am so sad that you've lost him, and I cannot imagine the depth of your grief. His light will shine on through your children and grandchildren. God Bless you all.

Cousin Dotty

Kathy Hoffmann

August 31, 2004

Dear Ruzicka Family:

Greg's father Joseph is my 1st cousin but Greg and I were born just months apart. I remember him well as a child at the Ruzicka and Kirkpatrick homes in Cheltenham when we played together as kids. They were fun times and I'm sorry to have lost touch with him over the years. You are all in my prayers.

Love, Kathy & Kyle

Perry Gentry

August 31, 2004

It is with great sadness that we have learned of Greg's passing. Greg's contributions to the youth of Harford County were great, and he will be missed by many across the country, a testament to Greg's widespread positive influence. Please accept the deepest condolences from the Emmorton Baseball family.

Judy & Chuck Kersch

August 30, 2004

Dear Carol, Sara, Joey and Michael

Our love and prayers are with you and all of the Ruzicka family.

Judy & Chuck Kersch

Joel Simon

August 23, 2004

Dear Ruzicka Family,

I am yet another former GBMC colleague of Greg's. While I never worked in the same department as him, I still viewed him as a role model and considered him a mentor. Greg's smile and positive outlook on life were a welcome constant in the professional lives of all who worked with him. May his memory be a blessing.

Christopher Kruft

August 18, 2004

Dear Ruzicka Family

I was shocked and saddened when I heard of Greg's passing. He was a great presence here at GBMC, always ready with his smile and sense of humor. I speak for the entire pharmacy when I say he will be missed.

Danny Garcia

August 16, 2004

Dear Ruzicka Family,

I only had the pleasure of knowing Greg for a short time through Creek baseball, yet he was a very special man. Being an unselfish person, he would always show his support for every player on the team. With his smile and kind words, he never missed the silver lining surrounding the darkest moments. Having enriched all our lives, he will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this very difficult time.

Janie Andrews

August 16, 2004

Dear Ruzicka Family,

We are very deeply saddened by your loss, I never met Greg but one day hope to see him in Heaven where we will have no more tears to shed. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.

All our love, The Andrews Family

Tom Healey

August 16, 2004

Dear Carol and family,

I am deeply saddened to learn of Greg's Passing. Upon first meeting Greg at GBMC I quickly learned you did not work for Greg you worked with him. I cannot think of a single interaction with Greg when I was not sent away with a smile. The world has lost a decent, honest man who treated everyone with the utmost respect. You all have my most sincere condolences in your time of bereavement.

Barbara Williams

August 16, 2004

Dear Ruzicka Family,

We haven't known you for long, but have enjoyed spending time at the baseball field with you. You are such a great family. Greg's death was such a shock to us and we were so saddened by it. He was such a friendly man. We are thinking of you often. God's blessings,

Keith, Barbara, Alison, Daniel Williams

Cathy Loflin

August 16, 2004

Carol and Family,

We had the pleasure of knowing Greg

for only a short period of time through Creek Baseball. Not only was he supportive of his son,Michael,but all the players on the team.He will be greatly missed at the ball field!

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Mark,Cathy,Brandon & Nolan Loflin

Paul Masser

August 16, 2004

Dear Carol and family:

I know that the deep sense of loss felt by everyone I've talked to can't even come close to what you and your family must be going through, but it speaks volumes about the man Greg was.He was truly one of the kindest, most genuine, most positive people I've ever known. We worked together for many years in a business with more than its share of phonies and opportunists, but Greg was a rock, not just someone you could trust, but who who could bring out the best in others as well. He will not be forgotten.

With kindest regards,

Carey Kneupper

August 16, 2004

Dear Mike and Joe:

We are truly sorry for the loss of Greg. He was such a kind and positive guy. I only knew him through Creek baseball. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Carey and Hayley Kneupper and Joshua Darnell

Peggi, Mike, Matt & Sean Birkenseher

August 16, 2004

Carol, Joe and Mike,

Greg was a pleasure to know. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Remember all the good memories and take care of each other. We're here for all of you, especially Matthew for the boys. The service was beautiful. With deepest sympathy,

John, Lee Ann, Lindsay, Tyler, and Chloe Vogel

August 15, 2004

Lee Ann and I truly enjoyed the hours in the stands at the Creek baseball games visiting with Greg. What a pleasant man. I don't recall any cross words from Greg - regardless of the call! We commented often what a nice family the Ruzickas were. We will miss you every day, Greg. You and your family are in our prayers.

Jillian Schuster

August 15, 2004

Ms Carol and Family,

I just wanted to express how much of an impact Mr. Greg had on my life and I only knew him for such a short time. He would always make me feel like I was welcome to come over at any time and he was really like a 2nd father to me. He will be missed and I hope I can be there for your family. He will be missed by many, but his memories will live forever in the hearts of so many people. I love yall!

Linda Ruff

August 15, 2004

Dear Ruzicka Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I can tell from reading all the entries in this guest book I missed knowing a truly wonderful man. I'm sure his goodness will perpetuate itself in his family. I hope I get to know all of you better. Our sons know each other from the Creek baseball program. Know that my prayers are with you.

Debbie Johnston

August 14, 2004

Dear Carol, Sara, Joey and Michael,

My heart is truly broken for you. Greg was such a wonderful man who had a heart as big as he was. I had the pleasure of working for him at GBMC for many years; he was such a great “people person”. He was always willing to lend a hand, even helped us move into my house. He was also Riggs's baseball coach at one point. I will never forget his baseball signs while on 3rd base, I used to say he looked like he was guiding a plane in for landing. He was also so proud of all of you; often our meetings ending with talking about the families. Carol, he was so proud of you with your teaching, and Sara, we all heard about every step of your acting and the movie you were in. Joey and Michael, he felt so honored to be able to participate with you in your sports. My family remembers Greg with much love and we believe that he will always be with you in mind and spirit. God bless you.

Debbie, Riggs and Tyler

Betty Conklin

August 13, 2004

Carol and family,

Words can not express how deeply I feel for you and everyone that Greg came to know.

Carol - just knowing you tells me so much about Greg. You are truly a wonderful person and your family seems very strong.

Your Ferguson family is and will be here for you. My thoughts are with you and especially your wonderful children.

Betty

Hardie & Debby Williams

August 13, 2004

Carol & Family,

So sorry for your loss. Both my wife & I had the honor to work with Greg at GBMC. It was such a true pleasure to have known him.

God speed, Hardie & Debby (GBMC)

Steve Owens

August 13, 2004

Carol & Family,

I am deeply saddened by Greg's passing. When I interviewed for my position @ GBMC, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with him. Greg taught me a lot about healthcare and management and I attribute my successes to him. His friendship meant even more. He helped me through some difficult times - often without even being asked. It was a privilege to know him and work with him. It was an honor to be his friend. God blessed you and your chldren with a wonderful husband and father. May he now bless you with the strength, courage, and peace to live life to the fullest...like Greg always did.

Linda Henning

August 13, 2004

Carol and family,

I worked with Greg for 10 years at GBMC and on the board on the Credit Union. Greg was a wonderful ,kind and funny person. Greg's friends at GBMC will always treasure his memory.

Linda Henning

Ambereen Azam

August 13, 2004

Our condolences to the family and friends.

May the Almighty shower peace on the departed soul

Carolyn Insley

August 13, 2004

Greg was well-loved by so many at GBMC. He was one nice guy...always happy and easy-going, friendly and helpful. We will all remember his quick wit and sense of humor. So sorry for your tremendous loss.

Gary Terrinoni

August 13, 2004

Carol - I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Greg. I feel so fortunate to have known Greg and had the opportunity to work and celebrate life with him. You knew that when you were with Greg you were with a special individual, an individual who God blessed in his image, i.e., a person with eternal optimism, honesty and goodness. It is in this image that I will always remember Greg, for he will always be a part of me. God bless you and your family.

STEPHEN SHERBA

August 13, 2004

To Carol and family: Greg hired me at GBMC 10 years ago. I had the pleasure to golf with Greg at the GBMC golf outing and drive him around in the golf cart all day. We had a great day. With his wonderful sense of humor, we laughed on every hole. He will be missed.

Lula Burns

August 12, 2004

To the family of Greg, I know you are in shock and so am I. I don't know what to say except that Greg was simply Greg. A kind and well balanced person. Someone to pattern your life after. He was a bright and shining light in our life and will be missed by all of us. Going to work will be a little harder. Although a part of our leadership team he always took the time to say hello. I was a little nervious when I our team was formed and placed under Lynda and Greg and I found myself a little stand offish. But Greg wasn't having it. He found a way to bring me out. His shoes can never be filled, his direction and leadership will always be missed. Keep your faith, allow yourself to feel all the emotions that you must be experiencing now. Laugh, cry, feel the anger. But remember you all carry a little of Greg within you and please don't forget to let him shine through. He has set the example of what a good parent, friend and companion and all around person is. If I had to say what Greg thought of life I would say he truly felt "It is nice to be important, but it is much more important to be nice."

Lula Burns, Clinical Purchasing UTMB

Rebecca Hebert

August 12, 2004

Joe, our family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss. We only knew your dad from seeing him at the baseball games and we just wanted you to know we were thinking of you.

Keagan , Rick and Rebecca Hebert

Dave Noji

August 12, 2004

Carol - Please accept my condolences. My memories of Greg are of someone who was always able to lighten the situation with his good humor... and it always seemed like we had a "situation"! He will be missed.

Beverly Scieszka

August 12, 2004

Carol and family: Your husband and father was an angel on earth. He made us laugh and the work day would pass quickly. His smile was infectious - he was such a warm, friendly person. I enjoyed working with Greg at GBMC and I know you will miss him terribly. All of you are are in my prayers. Greg is now walking with the angels in heaven and making them smile. Much love to all of you!

Dan Tesch

August 12, 2004

To Carol and family. I had the honor and privilege to work with Greg for many years @ GBMC. We were in the same division and spent many hours together tackling the challenge that is Healthcare. In each and every circumstance Greg's sense of humor was never lost. He was both loved and respected among his peers and staff and has, since his departure from Maryland, been sorely missed. I have to confess that in the back of my mind I had always entertain the hope that he would return and we would work together again. I know that he loved you and the kids and that you all were always on his mind. I will always remember him for what he was..an excellent healthcare manager, mentor and friend...my thoughts and prayers are with you all....Dan

Betty Gibula

August 12, 2004

Dearest Carol, Sara, Joseph and Michael,

We have never met each other, but I wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Greg and I met and worked together years ago as part of the MHL Advisory Team when I was at JHH and he was at GBMC. I was sort of a trouble-maker in the group, and he always supported my efforts to do the right thing.

He was a wonderful friend. Greg is the type of person, as I am sure you all know, but from an outsider you always felt you could call Greg at any time for anything and he always had time for you. I missed him when he left Baltimore, and I should have called more often than I did. We are all in shock here. We will always remember what a wonderful man he is. I speak in the present as he is always with us.

Please know that I will miss one of the few friends I knew I could depend on always. My deepest and sincerest sympathies are with you all.

Betty Gibula

Dir. of Purchasing

Johns Hopkins Health System

Baltimore, Maryland

Barbara Colleran

August 12, 2004

Having worked with Greg for 15+ years as his assistant I am deeply saddened of his death. Greg was a very caring & understanding person who always went out of his way to help others. I feel very fortunate to have known such a terrific guy! My deepest sympathy goes out to Carol, Sarah, Joey & Michael my prayers are with you.

Mark Williams

August 12, 2004

Dear Carol,

I am so sorry to hear about Greg.

Greg hired me here at GBMC 18 years.

We worked together for quite some time.

I could always count on him for a laugh as well as assitance in any problem.

I was sad when he left I have missed

him.

Greg was a good friend to every one

who knew him and probably some that only knew him a little.

I will ask my parents to help him along his way.

Again , I am truly sorry.

God bless you and your family.

<> <

Mark

Donna Lewis

August 12, 2004

When Greg was at GBMC, I just loved working with him. Not only was he great at what he did (and he sure did alot!!!) but he was one great guy. He could always make tough situations easier and when it came to patients, Greg always made decisions to benefit them. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. As another GBMC friend said upon learning about Greg's death: "The world is definitely a lesser place without him her".

Donna Lewis,GBMC

Paul Kowzan

August 12, 2004

Carol, Mary Anne and I are very sorry we can not be there if you have a service up North please keep us in mind.

Love

Paul, Mary Anne, Maureen, Paul III

Hedda Katenkamp

August 12, 2004

Greg was a joy to be around. A truly caring and loving person who was committed to helping others. I pray God's peace to his family and friends.

John Hutsell

August 12, 2004

Carol and Family,

I am very sorry to learn of Greg's unfortunate passing. Greg was a client of mine when I was the Regional VP for ARAMARK @ GBMC. He always spoke volumes of his family and he was very proud of your achievements. I had spoken with Greg several times since you have landed in Texas and it sounded as if everyone had made a smooth transition. We missed Greg and the boys at our annual client appreciation parties at Camden Yards but, were happy to hear his career at UTMB was flourishing. During your time of transition we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless the Ruzicka Family.

Tawana Samuels

August 12, 2004

I just want to take this time to express my deepest sympathy for the family.

Jenny Beeker

August 12, 2004

My sympathies and condolences to Greg's family. He was such a wonderful person and will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.

Michele Schwarmann

August 12, 2004

Greg was a great guy and a wonderful person to work with at GBMC. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Patricia A. Eldridge

August 12, 2004

Greg:

You touched many lives in our institution, leaving us kinder and gentler, laughing at the many memories we have of you. Your spirit has found a special place in heaven with the fun-loving, charismatic angels with whom you can frolick. Enjoy and suffer not any anguish that you did not leave the world here a better place.

Bernadette Menuey

August 12, 2004

Greg was wonderful to work with. He always tried to improve things for both patients and staff. He had a great sense of humor and a well of energy.

Phyllis Sanborn

August 12, 2004

Our Deepest Sympathy

We enjoyed getting to know Greg through the Creek Baseball Booster Club. We will be praying for your family. David and Phyllis Sanborn

Kim Davenport

August 12, 2004

Greg was a wonderful person. Always willing to lend a hand or a laugh! His love for life was infectious, as was his smile. And both, very much appreciated. He was deeply missed when he left GBMC, and will now be missed forever.

Joy Goldman

August 12, 2004

Dear Carol, Sara, Joseph and Michael: My heartfelt condolences to you. Having worked with Greg at GBMC, reporting to him once, and otherwise collaborating and commiserating with him, he was always a respected, compassionate and trusted friend. His joyful spirit, creativity, and talent for making people laugh amidst what seemed like the most serious of occasions was his most unique gift. He has touched many lives and his spirit will live on in us. Perhaps the greatest compliment is that when I think of Greg, I automatically smile.....

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

In sympathy and with honor,

Joy

Pam Stanton

August 12, 2004

I am sad to hear of Greg's passing. I only met him once at Thanksgiving when he & Carol were kind enough to allow myself and a friend into their home to share the holiday with friends. He was such great guy, a great cook, and I could tell he really enjoyed life and his family. He will be missed. And Carol, you and your family are in my prayers.

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