Joseph Ruddy

JOSEPH MICHAEL RUDDY, 82, of Leesburg, Virginia passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Joseph was born July 28, 1943 in Binghamton, New York to the late Patrick and Emmeline Ruddy. Aside from his loving parents, he is pre-deceased by his 5 siblings who loved him dearly: Patrick, Michael, Mary Lou, Joan, and Elizabeth. He is survived by his daughters, Laura Nelson and Erin Baldwin, son-in laws Jake Nelson and Luke Baldwin, his 4 grandchildren - Sophie, Bradley, Connor, and Lillian, his nieces and nephews, and 17 grand nieces/nephews, along with many other family and friends.

Joseph had many passions in life: traveling, learning, helping others, and dutifully serving his country. He joined the United States Army and served in Vietnam. Thereafter, he proudly served in the US Reserves for many years.

Aside from his loyalty to his country, he was equally passionate in helping others. Perhaps his greatest gift was in making connections with people, helping them feel at ease, finding humor in literally everything, and passing this infectious joy to all who were lucky enough to know him. Joe was also passionate about travelling, flying, meeting others, and engaging in different cultures. He leveraged these talents for many years in his position as Corporate Sales and Travel Manager for Pan Am Airlines.

Prior to retiring in 2020, Joe spent the last 20 years as a field trip school bus driver with Loudoun County Schools. He excelled in this role, as he always had a special knack for making kids feel welcome, special, and heard. Kids were drawn to his joy, his energy, his funny stories and endless "Holy Batman" variations on a theme. The kids lovingly referred to him as "Crash," and were always excited to see him as their bus driver.

Joe was dedicated to God, and his Catholic faith. His faith was a long-standing guiding light in his life, and he cherished his role as God's loving servant.

Above all else, Joe was dedicated to his children and grandchildren. He cherished them, as well as his immediate and extended family. He gave of his time, his attention, his love, and his laughter abundantly with generations of family. And despite his family being scattered across the US, he made sure to recognize and celebrate everyone, near or far, old or young. All felt his care, his joy, his laughter, and his love.

His family will forever miss his endless jokes, his one-liners, and his huge bear hugs. In his honor, we will follow his example — always striving to help and serve others, and in doing so, to seek out the light, the joy, and the laughter.

A Funeral Mass was held in Virginia. A graveside burial service will be held 11:00 am Monday November 3 at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to the Father Peyton Center, Holy Cross Family Ministry.

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