Eugenio Ruta

Eugenio “Gene” Ruta, 61, of Middletown, Delaware, died suddenly on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023, with his wife and family by his side. Gene was born in Capriglia Irpina in the province of Avellino, Italy on April 14th, 1961, to Beniamino and Concetta Ruta. Along with his family, Gene set sail for the United States in 1966 and was raised in East Orange, NJ and Livingston, NJ. Gene attended Our Lady of the Valley High School and Seton Hall University and graduated from Life Chiropractic College in 1988, and practiced in West Orange for a number of years. Gene married Jo Ann (Giordano) Ruta on March 13, 1998. They were happily married for the last 25 years, and together for a total of 35. Gene is remembered as a loving, caring husband to Jo Ann.

Gene was a kind and gentle soul who had a great ability to cheer people up with a silly voice or by cracking a joke. He always called to chat, talk about the Green Bay Packers, give you a laugh, offer advice, or the best restaurant recommendations. During his high school years, “Spider” as known by his classmates, was an avid wrestler, and won athlete of the year as a senior. He loved to cook for his family and was known for his amazing dishes. He took his role as an uncle to heart. Gene was blessed with God given intellect, wit, and humility.  He was well read and could intelligently discuss any topic in detail with unlimited facts and great passion.  He would do anything to help a family member, friend, or a stranger, always putting their interests above his own.  Gene had an infectious personality and left an impact on everyone he met.  Within minutes of meeting Gene, he made you feel like you were the most important person in the world and a best friend.

Gene is predeceased by his father Beniamino Ruta and mother-in-law Mary Ann Giordano. He is survived and missed dearly by his beloved wife Jo Ann Ruta and loving mother Concetta Ruta, his three brothers Federico Ruta (Elizabeth), Pasquale Ruta (Joan), Sergio Ruta (Natalie), and brother-in-law Anthony Giordano (Betsy).  He is also survived by his nieces, Lindsay, Lauren,  and Juliana, and nephews, Benjamin James, Benjamin Robert, Anthony, and Andrew, and great nieces Thea and Hailey. Gene spoke highly of their many achievements and treated them like his own children. He was great at offering advice and helping in times of trouble. They all loved him very much and Gene was known as a favorite uncle.

The visitation for Gene will take place on Friday, March 31, 5:00-8:00 PM, at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch, NJ. Funeral, Saturday, 8:30 am from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 9:30 AM at Holy Trinity Church, 408 Prospect Street in Long Branch, NJ. Gene will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in the name of “Eugenio Ruta” to the ALS Foundation in honor of his father, Beniamino Ruta. Donations may be made online at www.als.org.

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