Mitchell Stuart Ruch (1948-2018)

Mitchell Ruch was born on July 23, 1948 and died of an apparent heart attack on Nov 27, 2018. He was the middle son of Richard and Lila Ruch of Hatboro. Richard was 2 years older, Gary, 6 years younger. The boys spent their grade school years at Pennypack Elementary school. Their neighborhood around Loller Rd, Academy Rd and Crooked Billet was full of baby boomers. Oh, how Mitch loved the family home on Loller - the scene of many parties and get-togethers over the years, from summer picnics to New Year’s Eve parties. The Ruch family also spent many summer hours “down the shore” at Ocean City swimming and fishing. In high school, Mitch was a regular pool player at the Billiard Ball in Hatboro. If the activity involved sports, he was all in.

He played about 5 years of Little League. With Mitch as the catcher and a great hitter on the Rotary Club team, it was hard to beat. Bob Saldutti joined Little League when he and Mitch were 7 years old, and they became fast friends. In 1967, they enlisted together in a 2-year Navy program and served their enlistment aboard the USS Shangri La with VF-931. Mitch was a plane captain.

At the end of their service, the two friends went into a 12-year partnership in a 7-11 in North East Philadelphia. After they sold the franchise, Mitch worked as a salesman for Beckley-Cardy Textbook Company; and then moved on to H&R auto service where he worked until his death.

In October 1970, Mitch married Sheila McCrory, whom he had met while working in Philadelphia. They had two sons- Dan born in 1973 and Jeff, born in 1975. He was a hands-on dad, as his dad had been with him. Theirs was a household of fun and sports. Mitch and Sheila divorced in 1980.

He was later introduced to Terri Alosi …by her mother… at the racetrack! They married in 1989. Their son, Alex was born in 1990. They later divorced.

From all accounts by family and friends, Mitch Ruch will be remembered fondly as “a real character”, a loving family man, a fan of all sports, especially golf and horseracing. Even our yearbook had him pegged as “a constant comedian”.

Mitch was predeceased by his father and a granddaughter, Camille. He is survived by his large extended family, all living nearby: 2 ex-wives, with whom he maintained good relationships; his longtime companion, Kathy Joyce; his three sons and their families which included 3 grandchildren; his 2 brothers; and his elderly mother. And let’s not forget his Weimaraner, Bailey.

His funeral Service was held at Schneider Funeral Home and was well attended. His brother Richard spoke about his sense of humor and his loud voice which led to many dramatic entrances at parties and events. His son spoke about the discipline he instilled when they were young and the love and companionship they all shared as they grew older. EVERYONE mentioned his sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, his family requested donations be made in his name to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607.