Frederick George Rueck

Frederick George Rueck, 82, of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024 with his family at his side.

Mr. Rueck - known as "Fred" or "Freddie" by family and friends - was born in Mount Vernon, NY on March 4, 1942; a son of the late Frederick and Ann Marie (Sulitka) Rueck.  He grew up in Mount Vernon; as a boy, Freddie loved to fish with his father (whom he called Pop) in Westchester County lakes and reservoirs. After graduating from Archbishop Stepinac H.S. in White Plains, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served between 1962 and 1966. He went to Navy electronics school and specialized in RADAR and radio/electronics aboard the fleet oiler USS Aucilla (AO-56). He served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean on his tour of duty, during which time his ship supported the fleet by refueling other naval vessels, and in 1965 acting as a support ship for the Gemini 6 and Gemini 7 space shots.

A longtime resident of Ridgefield, Fred was a retired Systems Service Engineer for IBM. Before his sons were born, he enjoyed competing in nighttime car rallys in his late 60's model Volvo coupe.  As a young father residing in Brewster, NY, he coached both his sons in soccer, even serving as a referee for the league (E.H.Y.S.L.).

In more recent years, he greatly enjoyed ballroom dancing; however what he fell most in love with was Argentine Tango - both the dance and the music. Fred frequently traveled for dance events, often acting as “dance host” and helping people learn dance steps and proper "dance etiquette". He also enjoyed international travel to destinations including Argentina, Israel, the Mediterranean region and Europe as well as tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. Purple cone flowers, heirloom & cherry tomatoes and various hot peppers were among his favorite plants to grow.

Mr. Rueck is survived by his two sons, Fred R. Rueck and his spouse, Claudia Nerreau, and Gil Rueck and his partner, Nikki Ahrens. Mr. Rueck is also survived by his granddaughters, Kaitlin and Sarah Rueck; his brother, William Rueck and wife Carla, as well as his beloved life-partner Mary Abbamonte and her son, Joe, whom Mr. Rueck loved as a son.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, October 19th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877. Family and friends are welcome to say a few words & share memories of Mr. Rueck if they so wish, which will take place towards the end of the gathering. A funeral service will take place on Sunday, October 20th at 1:00 PM at  Saint John’s Episcopal Church; 82 Spring Street, South Salem. Interment will be held privately.

Contributions in Mr. Rueck’s memory may be made to The American Cancer Society and to Food For The Poor.

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