Edward G. Ruane, Sr. ( 1945 - 2008)

Edward G. Ruane, Sr., was born in Newark, N.J. on September 11, 1945.   He was the tenth child of Patrick Ruane (Ballinaleck, Foxford, Co. Mayo) and Eileen Hayes Ruane (Ballygoughlin, Glin, Co. Limerick).  He spent his early days in the Roseville section of Newark, where he attended Saint Rose of Lima School.  His teen years were spent at Bloomfield Technical School where he studied sheet metal work. A veteran of the US Army, he was accepted into the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association Local 25, and later transferred to Local 27 in south Jersey.

There were three important things in Ed’s life: his family, his Irish heritage, and his labor union.

Ed’s love of Irish culture and heritage was instilled in him by his mother, who was left to raise her young family after her husband died in a construction site accident.  Although her primary concern was ensuring that her children were fed and clothed, she stressed the importance of keeping the traditions alive, evidenced by the fact that two of her sons, Billy and John, learned the bagpipes at an early age, taught by Sean McGonigal of the Saint Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band.   Ed would often reminisce about gatherings at their home, in the yard or garage, where accordionists and fiddlers played traditional tunes far into the night.

In 1973, Ed met Joan Elaine Duffy, a young Irish dancer and student of Irish history.  Joan, through her membership in the United Irish Institute of New Jersey, Inc., was pivotal in revitalizing the annual Easter Sunday Commemorative Parade and Mass in Newark, NJ.  Ed worked tirelessly to assist in the Commemoration to honor those who had given their lives for the cause of Irish freedom, including collaborating with the Priests of Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral to include references to Irish history in the Liturgy of the Mass, coordinating with law enforcement to ensure a smooth march, and organizing and expediting the march to the church as Adjutant.  His friendship with Monsignor Neil Mahoney, PhD, pastor of Saint Patrick’s born during his efforts on behalf of the Easter Commemoration, remained loyal and steadfast until his death. 

Ed and Joan married on May 31, 1975, and settled in Ocean County, NJ, where they raised their three children: Edward, Jr., Siobhan, and Sheelagh.  His love of Irish tradition was also reflected in his support of the Patricia Murphy School of Irish Dance, spanning more than two decades, where his daughters were students.  If the dancing school was involved, Ed was there to help with the event, including performances and parades, constructing scenery for a dance drama, or making stages and manning the microphone for the school’s annual Feis.

 Ed spent more than 40 years as a member of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association.  Following his retirement from the active trade, he served as President of the Retirees Association of Local 27.  A group of Local 27 officers and members demonstrated their regard and respect for him when they visited at his bedside on what was to be the last day of his life.  Ed lived and died a proud member of his Union.

Ed left a legacy of dedication, loyalty, and commitment when he departed this life.  His legacy is continued by his wife Joan, daughters Siobhan and Sheelagh and Ed and Melissa and their children: Jack Edward and Hannah Rose.  He helped his family realize the importance of both a steadfast work ethic and remaining committed to a cause he believed in, whether it was the support of his heritage or the honoring of those who have given their lives for the cause of Irish freedom.  He was the consummate family man, who taught his children the importance of always finding a reason to laugh regardless of how bleak the situation looked.  He demonstrated tenacity and resilience and the significance of facing challenges and formulating a course of action, dealing realistically with issues, and acceptance of outcomes even if they are not as satisfactory as wished.  He taught the value of life, of laughter, and of love.

God called Ed back to him shortly before 3 p.m. on January 31, 2008, while he was surrounded by the love of his family, in the one place he wanted to be: “home”.    On February 5, he made his last trip north on the parkway where, behind a police escort, he returned to his cherished city of Newark, his last trip to the streets where he marched so proudly every Easter Sunday for more than forty years, back to his beloved Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral for his last Mass, and on to Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington where he rests, finally and at peace.