Obituary of Jack Ruthberg MD

Jack Ruthberg M.D., a man as prolific and accomplished in his chosen profession of medicine as in his many wide- ranging avocations, died peacefully on January 2, 2013, in a hospice facility near his home in Palm City, Florida. Dr. Ruthberg formerly lived in Niskayuna, New York. What set Dr. Ruthberg apart from so many others was his determination to become an expert in whatever he pursued; for him, nothing short of becoming an authority on a subject, or completely mastering a skill would do. From his medical office, to the bridge of a boat, to the cockpit of an airplane, to the ladder of a fire truck, Dr. Ruthberg was the master. Born in New York City on March 10, 1918, to Irving and Dora Ruthberg, Dr. Ruthberg grew up in Middletown, NY, graduating from Syracuse University, both the undergraduate and medical school. He ultimately became board certified in three areas: internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and cardiology- a rare achievement, then as now. He married his wife, Helen, on October 25, 1941, in Syracuse, New York and carried on a lifelong love affair until her death in April, 2003. At a ceremony a year after she passed away, he read a piece about their lives together and made clear that true love never dies. Following his medical training, Dr. Ruthberg served as the Assistant Medical Director of Mt. Sinai Hospital, in NYC ,and then as the Administrator of the Northern Division of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, in Philadelphia. Eventually, Dr. Ruthberg returned to his roots in Midddletown, where he opened an office in his home, as Doctors of that day often did, and became a solo practice. For over 30 years, Dr. Ruthberg touched the lives of thousands of patients, bringing to bear an extraordinary level of diagnostic skill- and his patients revered him. He retired from practice in 1987 and moved to Niskayuna to be near his son Bradford Ruthberg, daughter-in-law, Judith C. Ruthberg, both Doctors, and granddaughter, Kara, now a veterinarian. His accomplishments outside his medical office and within the community reflected a continuing dedication to the well being of people. He took enormous pride in serving for many years as a deputy fire chief for the Washington Heights Fire Department, in Orange County, New York. Who could ever forget seeing Dr. Ruthberg zipping around Orange County in his very own mini- fire truck- a red Jeep bedecked with flashing lights and siren. He was the past president of the Middletown Rotary Club, and took great pride in helping to bring a speech therapy program to the Middletown Public Schools. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Burn Fund of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. In addition, he served as a major and area commander of the Civil Air Patrol, flying numerous missions within New York. Dr. Ruthberg was truly a Renaissance Man. During his life he mastered so many disciplines- one of which would have been enough for the average person, But Dr. Ruthberg devoured knowledge and always seemed to be learning something new. He was an accomplished boater, for many years running a 42 foot Matthews in Long Island Sound; a commercial and twin engine rated pilot, for many years flying his Piper Apache out of Orange County Airport; and a highly skilled marksman, in both target shooting with pistols and trap shooting. He was an NRA credentialed instructor in firearm safety. Dr. Ruthberg also mastered the demanding business of restoring antique cars. Dr. Ruthberg also became an authority in many other less active realms -from coins to stamps to watches to photography to model trains, he knew each subject as well as anyone. All one needed to do was ask a question, and hours later, the details continued to flow. In addition to his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, survivors include a sister, Evelyn, a brother Charles ( w.Jocelyn), and a number of nieces and nephews. Services at Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union Street in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at12 noon. In lieu of flowers those wishing to remember Dr. Ruthberg in a special way may make a memorial contribution to the Foundation for Ellis Medicine, (www.ellismedicine.org/foundation) in Schenectady, New York 12308.