WILMINGTON — Thomas Albert Ruden, 74, died Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born March 27, 1943, in Queens, N.Y., to the late Samuel L. Ruden and Grace Sottile Ruden.
Thomas was a graduate of Cornell University in 1966, where he was also a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He received his law degree from St. Johns University in 1973. He worked as a senior level insurance executive in New York City, retiring to Wilmington, N.C., in 1998.
He was an avid golfer and a member of the Men’s Golf Club Association at the Municipal Golf Course in Wilmington. Thomas was also active with the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Joan Manson Ruden of Wilmington, N.C.; sons, Thomas D. Ruden of Arlington, Texas, and William E. Ruden of Islip, N.Y.; daughters, Catherine Ruden of Greenville, S.C., and Mary Ruden of Wilmington, N.C. He is also survived by two brothers, Peter (wife, Diane) and James (wife, Kathy) Ruden; three grandchildren, Alec, Angelica and Tommy; and three nieces, Maggie, Colette and Tiana.
The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at Andrews Market Street Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 2, at First Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smile Train, 41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY 10010 or ASPCA.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
