Joseph T. Ruyak

Joseph T. Ruyak, Sr.

Born March 13th, 1928 in Pottstown, PA and peacefully passed away on December 4th, 2016 at the age of 88 years old. Joe was the son of the late Michael and Anna (Stednichar) Ruyak.

He graduated from Pottstown High School and after graduation, enrolled in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of his service in the Navy, he attended Penn State University. Ever the consummate athlete, he was an elite pitcher on the Penn State Baseball team. While at college, Joe belonged to the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity where he served as president. After graduating from Penn State, he was scouted and later joined the Minor League system of the Boston Red Sox where he excelled as a pitcher.

He was employed by the Metropolitan Life Insurance for over 40 years and worked in various capacities of Sales as Sales Manager and District Sales Manager for many years. He was a strong supporter of Kiwanis Clubs and was past president of the Pottstown Kiwanis Club.

Joe was an avid sportsman his entire life and loved hunting and fly fishing. He was a life-long passionate golfer shooting low scores well into his late seventies. He was an enthusiastic Penn State Alumni member and a huge fan of Penn State Football. Joe was always invested in his community and did volunteer work in preparing tax returns for the elderly, poor and disabled citizens of Reading PA.

He is survived by two sons, Joseph T. Ruyak, Jr. (Kathleen) of Philadelphia, PA and the Rev. Mark A. Ruyak, of Pottstown, PA. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Joanne K. Ruyak (Kerlin) and was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte Ruyak (Stanton). Also survived by her children, William Stanton of Lobachsville, PA, Dr. Elizabeth Stanton of Breinigsville, PA, Carol Stanton, Fleetwood, PA, Ann Gerber of Allentown, PA and Elaine Stanton of Reading, PA. Other survivors include a broher James D. Ruyak of Remer, Minnesota and five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Monday, December 12, 2016, at 11 a.m. in St. Ignatius Loyola R.C. Church, 2810 St Albans Dr, Reading, PA 19608. Friends may call one half hour prior in the church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.