Carl Russell Ruge

Rhinebeck – Carl Russell ‘ Russ’ Ruge, 79, passed away Friday, January 5, 2018, at Wingate at Ulster, Highland, NY.

Born July 5, 1938 in Rhinebeck, he was the son of Carl ‘Dutch’ and Helen (Gorman) Ruge.

He was a graduate of Rhinebeck Central School where he was a star baseball pitcher.  He attended and played baseball for Rider College and then went on to play AAA baseball in Lynchburg, Va. before entering the Air Force.

Russ served 29 years in the US Air Force; he was trained as a Blue Beret (an elite security unit of the Air Force) and served three tours in Vietnam.   He was a member of Montgomery Post #429.

Following his service he married Sherry (White) Staley and together they made their home on Cape Cod for many years

Russ is survived by two step-sons, H Knick Staley III and Daniel Staley; his Aunt Arlene Ruge; and cousins Paul Ruge, Jr.; David Ruge; Jean Ruge Kaiser and Lewis Ruge.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sherry and his step-daughter Julie Staley Gottschalk.

Graveside services with Full Air Force honors will be in the Rhinebeck Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck. 

To sign the online register please visit dapsonchestney.com 

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