Robert J. Ruth's Obituary
Robert J. Ruth died on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Born in Wilmington, Bob spent his entire career in the banking and trust services industry with Bank of Delaware (now PNC Bank, Delaware), retiring as a Trust Officer responsible for reviewing and updating the Trust Department’s clients’ Wills and Trust Agreements.
Throughout his business career, Bob served his community with dedication. He was President of the Wilmington Touchdown Club and Executive Vice President of the Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce, and he contributed his time to many charitable organizations. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Salesianum Alumni Association and as its Secretary. During this period, he was nominated for the Wilmington Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award. In 1991, the Salesianum Alumni Association honored him for his exceptional service with the Salesianum Alumni Service Award.
Bob lived an active and energetic life. He played baseball, basketball, and football for various teams in and around New Castle County. His Bank of Delaware (PNC) Fast Pitch Softball Team won the 1964 Delaware State Championship and went on to represent Delaware in several regional tournaments in the northeastern United States.
A devoted Phillies and Eagles fan, Bob cherished the memory of attending the 1960 NFL Championship game when the Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers, as well as being present when the Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals to win the World Series in 1980.
Bob also served faithfully at St. Edmonds Catholic Church as an usher and as a member of its Bereavement Committee. He was an usher as well at San Marco Catholic Church in Marco Island, Florida, where he and his wife enjoyed spending their winters.
Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda (Jantz) Ruth; his sons, Stephen R. Ruth and Michael J. Ruth; four grandchildren—Matthew, Amy, Kevin, and Patrick; two great-grandsons, with one more expected in December; and other loving family members.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, December 15, 2025, at St. Edmonds Catholic Church, 401 King Charles Ave, Rehoboth Beach. Friends may visit prior to the Mass from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private the following day.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, we encourage "no ties", as he wants to make his celebration a colorful event.
Contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Salesianum High School, 1801 North Broom Street, Wilmington, DE. 19802.
Please sign Robert’s Tribute wall at this site.
FLORIST NOTE - PLEASE HAVE ALL FLOWERS DELIVERED ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025, BY 3:00 PM TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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