John Patrick “Pat” Ruth, passed away peacefully Oct. 3, 2006 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. A native of Portsmouth, OH, where he was born on July 4, 1931. Pat graduated from The University of Dayton. A U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War, proudly serving with the 3rd Infantry Division. He was a former teacher in the Joliet grade school system and retired as President of Northern Illinois Steel Supply Company, a firm he cofounded in 1961. Pat is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Patricia, nee McCabe, Ruth of Joliet; his devoted children and their spouses, Mary (Don) Hershman of Highland Park, IL, Tim (Kerry) Ruth of Joliet, Mike (Kathy) Ruth of Joliet, Kathryn (Mike) Meksto, Maureen (Rich) Gordon, both of Western Springs, IL and Julie (Lawrence) Mulhern of Lemont; a very proud Papa of 15 caring grandchildren, Meredith and Sam Hershman, T.J., J.P. II, Natalie and Erin Ruth, Michael, Kelly, Brooke and Jack Meksto, Elise and Olivia Gordon, Aidan, Liam and Fiona Mulhern; also survived by one sister, Mary Ann (Carl) Adams of Portsmouth, OH; a sister-in-law, Barbara McCabe; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends also survive. Preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Catherine, nee Sweeny, Ruth; his in-laws, James P. and Catherine, nee Bombasaro, McCabe; and his brother-in-law, James P. McCabe. Funeral Services for John Patrick Ruth will be Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, 7:30 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorials in Pat’s name to the Dr. James P. McCabe Scholarship Fund at the University of St. Francis, Juvenile Diabetes Association, or the Senior Services Center of Will County would be appreciated. Visitation Friday 2 to 8 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds. For information, 815-741-5500 .
