Posted in the Harbor Country News, December 5, 2014
NEW BUFFALO — Richard Ruby, 84, a Chicago native and long-time resident of New Buffalo, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2014, from complications suffered from a stroke in September. Up until his illness, Richard had been working at his New Buffalo law office and teaching at Roosevelt University, two professions that he practiced for over 30 years. Besides his professions, his true passions were his family, friends, music, books, theater, lively conversation and his dogs.
Richard attended the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and owned a car dealership at 72nd & Stony Island for close to 40 years with his late brother, Robert. Chicago residents became quite familiar with their dealership’s catchy and clever advertising jingle, “Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby Chevrolet.”
At age 45, he also decided to enter the legal profession, getting a degree from John Marshall Law School in 1978. His friendly bigger-than-life picture highlighting his law practice can be seen on numerous billboards in the New Buffalo and Michigan City areas. He was a member of the Chicago Bar Association, as well as associations in Michigan and Indiana.
In 2002, Richard renewed his love for musical theater, which started in high school and college. He performed in various summer performances at the Dunes Theater including the Pirates of Penzance, Jekyl & Hyde, La Cage Aux Folles and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Born in Chicago’s Grant Hospital on November, 9, 1930, to Irving and Adelaide (Stern) Ruby, Richard was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Robert and Miriam.
Richard was the proud father of five children, Ron, Donna, Joe, Dan and Noah (Thatcher); and a doting grandfather to his four grandchildren, Taylor, Emily, Matthew and Michael. He was a loving uncle, cousin, and friend to many and as an animal lover, a “dog father” to Minnie, Kendra, Diva, Mason and Casper.
A memorial and life celebration service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, December 11, at the Bodhi Spiritual Center, 2746 N Magnolia Ave., Chicago, IL 60614. Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605, in honor of Richard Ruby.
