John P. Ruhl

John P. Ruhl, formerly of Monroe, NY passed away with his loved ones by his side on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at his home in Elma, N.Y.
John was born in Mount Vernon in Westchester County on Dec. 17, 1928. As a boy, John was a Boy Scout with Troop 222 of the Bronx and enlisted in the New York State Guard, 8th Infantry Regiment, in 1946.
John worked for the New York Central Railroad as a lineman in the Signal Construction Department from 1947-1950.
He played semi-pro football in the State of Florida for the Miami Marauders.
He enjoyed bowling in Monroe with his friends and teammates as well as playing and umpiring in the Orange County Fast Pitch Softball League.
He was one of the original head coaches at the start of the Pop Warner Football League in Monroe and coached the Crusaders team for six years.
John was a full-time Army Guard Technician (was on the Reserve List until he retired at age 60) and served 27 years in the Army National Guard in the 258th, 42nd, 102nd and the 4th RKT/HOW Battalions; retiring as a sergeant major.
He was a firefighter with Monroe Lakeside Fire & Rescue Co. for 25 years (served as assistant chief for several years) and was awarded Fireman of the Year for 1983 and 1996.
He retired as a First-Class Mechanic for the Monroe-Woodbury School District in 1991. During his employment there, he was an active member of the M-W CSEA and served as president for a time.
He was also a member of the American Legion Post #488 of Monroe for more than 28 years; Middletown Elks #1097 for 41 years; and life member of the Orange County Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Those who knew John will remember his warm smile, his giving nature, his many renditions of “Popeye the Sailor Man” and his many friendships for life.
He loved "Old Glory," our country's flag and all it stood for. Go Army.
The family would like to thank the caregivers of the Visiting Nursing Association of WNY, Juniors for Seniors, and the West Seneca Renal Center for their support and kindness.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years, Lorraine (Niven); loving daughter Janet and son-in-law Joseph Petillo; also his cherished nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews and great-grand nieces and great-grand nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave,, Monroe.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Still Road, Monroe.
Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial donations to your local Hospice, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845-782-8185; www.ssqfuneralhome.com).