Charles E. Ruddock

Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home
Friday, March 12, 2010.

Mr. Charles E. "Charlie" "Coach" Ruddock, 80, of Boxford died Wednesday in a local nursing home after a lengthy illness.

He was the beloved husband of Virginia (Dorion) "Ginny" Ruddock with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.

Charlie was born in Swampscott, son of the late William and Lillian (Hickey) Ruddock.

He was a graduate of Lynn English High School Class of 1947. He attended Bordentown Military Institute in NJ and Rutgers University. After returning from the Korean War he went to Boston University where he received his Degree of Education in 1956 and then went on to Salem State College where he received his Master Degree in Education in 1962.

He was a resident of Boxford for the past 10 years and previously resided in Lynn for 20 years before moving to Peabody in 1956, where he served as Ward 1 City Councilor for many years. He and Ginny also enjoyed winters in Naples, FL.

Charlie began his career with the Lynn School Department in 1956 teaching Social Studies and Math at Breed, he then was transferred in 1957 to Pickering Middle School where he taught Social Studies until 1970 when he became a Junior High School Guidance Councilor.

In 1972, he was appointed Vice Principal of Pickering Middle School a position he held for 18 years until his retirement in June of 1990, serving the Lynn School department for 34 years. He previously worked at the US Postal service. He was a United States Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict and held the rank of E-5.

He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Charlie was a member of the Shoemaker Post 6.

Charlie was a great athlete, he played professional baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was the head baseball coach at St. Mary's High School. In 1968, he was appointed the head football coach at Lynn English. He was a member of the Umpires Assoc for over 40 years, umpiring in Massachusetts and Florida.

Charlie's true devotion was his family especially going to all his grandchildren's events. He also enjoyed golfing, the wonderland race track, traveling and was a longtime member of the Meadow Larks.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children Meredith R. Norton and her husband Leo of Amesbury, David C. Ruddock and his wife Cindy of Boxford, Mark E. Ruddock of Amesbury and Gary D. Ruddock and his wife Donna of Merrimack, NH, 2 sisters Carol Peterson and Beth Hamilton. His eight beloved grandchildren Justin, Evan, Jillian, Tyler, Ryan and Kristen Ruddock and Connor and Daniel Norton. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was the father in law of the late Kathy Ruddock.

Funeral from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St. Lynn, Monday at 9:00 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Ann's Church, Peabody at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Visiting hours Sunday from 2-5 PM. Gifts in Charlie's memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station P.O. Box 780 New York, NY, 10008-0780.

Interment will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.