Paul Ruda

In his younger years he worked at the Brooklyn NAVY yard. When he turned 17 he joined the US NAVY and served as a Gunner on the USS Meredith.

During the 50’s he spent time cruising around in his convertible and on his Indian Motorcycle with his friends. He worked as a butcher and a Cadillac salesman. He was known for his love of Cadillacs. He soon settled down to have a family, but still took time for hunting trips with his buddies every November. He enjoyed a good cigar.

Later on In the 70’s he began working at the NYC Transit Authority in Brooklyn as a train toll collector and then transferred to the Staten Island Bus Depot where he eventually retired.

Paul married Gerri September 30th, 1988. They were happy spending time with family and had many bbqs and holidays at their home. They both had a love of travel, especially to Vegas. They spent many happy years together, however sadly Gerri passed away only 10 days before he did. We believe he missed her, and died of a broken heart.

Surviving are his daughters Kim Rushfield and husband Paul, Michele Verga and husband Victor, Deana Costanzo and husband Thomas, his step sons Michael Cucchia and wife Gloria and Joseph Cucchia and wife Vita. He will be missed by his loving grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews.

Paul also leaves behind his brother Anthony Ruda and wife Jeannie, and his sister Linda Holt and her husband James A. He is predeceased by his brother Joseph Ruda and wife Candida, brother Salvatore Ruda and wife Dorothy, sister Phyllis LePre and husband James, brother John Ruda and sister MaryAnn Giglio.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Casey McCallum Rice Funeral Home, Great Kills, with interment at Resurrection Cemetery. A memorial service and celebration of Paul & Gerri's life together will be held at a later date.