Obituary of Charles Ruchko

Charles Ruchko, 81, of Haines City, FL passed away on August 10, 2023 at the Winter Haven Hospital. He was born on November 29, 1941 in Mt. Carmel, PA to Charles and Helen Gondek Ruchko. In 2013, Charles moved from Asbury, NJ where he lived for 25 years to Easton, PA, later relocating to Florida in 2013. Charles spent a remarkable 30 years as a manufacturing supervisor at American Cyanamid Company, reaching his retirement in 1999 and he was of the catholic faith.

Charles found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, including playing bingo, shuffleboard, fishing, gardening, traveling and woodworking within his shop. His appreciation for the beauty of birds added to their enjoyment of the world around him. It was said that his favorite saying was, “go straight home” and held the saying close to his heart as it perfectly captured his life's philosophy. Charles was a true jokester at heart, he effortlessly commanded the spotlight, endearing himself to all. His infectious humor lit up rooms and Charles truly enjoyed making people smile and laugh. With a heart full of affection, he held his family in the highest regard, radiating love for them in every moment. His presence was a gift cherished by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Emmie Ruchko; son, Mark Ruchko; and stepdaughter, Sally Wilchuck. Charles leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, of 14 years, Arlene Riker; daughter, Lauri (Ed) Credito of Mt. Carmel, PA; stepdaughter, Jennifer (Bill) Kozic of Bethlehem, PA; brother, Dave Ruchko of Mt. Carmel, PA; daughter-in-law, Elaine (Bill) Evanicki of Mountain Top, PA; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882. A service celebrating Charles’s life will begin in the funeral home at 2:30 PM. Inurnment at Musconetcong Valley Cemetery, Hampton, NJ will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Charles’s name to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.