Frederick J. Ruta

Another Old Soldier has faded away. “The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat the soldier’s last tattoo; No more on life’s parade shall meet that brave and fallen few, On Fame’s eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread. And Glory guards, with Solemn round, the Bivouac of the dead.” Our dad, Frederick J. Ruta, 98, passed from this life on Friday, March 10, 2023, surrounded by his family and the caring staff of Mission Care Center of Holyoke. After a long and remarkable life, he finally lost his last battle. Time is perhaps the most irresistible foe. Frederick was born in Lowell on July 23, 1924, son of the late Antoni and Stephania (Wajda) Ruta. He graduated Lowell High School in May of 1942 and was promptly drafted into the US Army. He served for three years during WWII alongside 16 million other heroes. He tried to ‘volunteer’ for the Air Corps but was assigned to the anti-aircraft artillery instead. His unit fought across northern France and into Germany. He was slated to participate in the planned invasion of Japan, but fortunately the war ended before that was necessary. Frederick earned several awards including the European, African, Middle Eastern and American Theater Ribbons. After separation he used the GI Bill to attend East Coast Aero Tech in Concord, where he learned his trade as a machinist. For 39 years Frederick worked for Kaman Aerospace Corp. in Windsor Locks, CT, as a master machinist and tool maker, building helicopters and aircraft for the defense of his country. He was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Basilica, where he and his wife Alice enjoyed traveling with the Golden Years Club. Dad always had something to do. He enjoyed woodworking (quite skilled), farming (needed more practice), and tinkering with his cars. In his later years he also enjoyed polka dancing. But his greatest source of joy was the time spent with his family. For nearly a century, dad built a comfortable and prosperous life for himself and his family. He quietly contributed to the strength and peace of his community and to the progress and security of his country. The world was a better place with him in it, and is diminished by his passing. Frederick was predeceased in 2022 by his beloved wife of 63 years, Alice M. (Kolodziej) Ruta. He is survived by his loving children, Carol A. Arends and husband Randolph of Hillsborough, NJ, Thomas A. Ruta and wife Lorraine of Northampton, and Michael J. Ruta and wife Kristen of North Dighton; five cherished grandchildren, Valerie S. Bache and husband Justin of Somerville, NJ, Randolph Arends, Jr. and wife Rebecca of Spotswood, NJ, Jacob Ruta and partner Sophie of Rochester, NY, Stephanie Ruta and partner Andrew of Seekonk, and Jason Ruta of North Dighton; treasured great-grandson, Cody Bache; and many nieces and nephews, including his caring Godson, Randolph Kolodziej of Uxbridge. He was predeceased by his brother Stanislaus Ruta, and sister, Mary Ryan. Funeral services for Frederick will be held Wednesday from Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Stanislaus Basilica. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 8-9:45AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Frederick J. Ruta

July 23, 1924 - March 10, 2023

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Frederick J. Ruta

July 23, 1924 - March 10, 2023

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

Resources

Plan Ahead

Contact Us

Obituaries

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support