Orazio Giorgio "George" Ruta

HURON — Orazio Giorgio "George" Ruta, 93, of Huron, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family early Sunday afternoon, Oct. 3, 2021. He was born on Aug. 28, 1928, in Modica, Sicily, the son of Raffaele and Margherita (Napolitano) Ruta. Orazio was an entrepreneur, self-employed, for over 60 years, primarily in the operation of hotels and restaurants. In his early years, he was a mechanic and owned Ruta Gulf Station. He was also known as George. Orazio was a simple man with a big heart. He was passionate about his work and was successful in his business and assisted many in their pursuits and life careers. He loved to cook. Orazio was a man of faith. He treasured time with family and friends the most. His beloved wife, Giovanna, his childhood sweetheart, took loving care of Orazio for the last five years. He thrived on her love and dedication to him. Their true love between them stood the test of time. Orazio Giorgio married the love of his life, Giovanna (Sortino) Ruta, in 1953; she survives along with four children; Margherita (Robert) Kelsey of Huron, Raffaele Ruta of Huron, Michael Ruta of Sandusky and Maria Stella (Charles) Linderman of Cleveland. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren, Ryan (Erin) Kelsey, Brandon (Susan) Kelsey, Gregory Orazio (Emily Stine) Kelsey, Raffaele (Kelsey) Ruta, Dominic (Lily) Ruta, Lorenzo Ruta, Orazio Vincent (Miranda) Ruta, Cecelia (Tom Hanigan) Ruta, Izzy Ruta, George (Wendy) Linderman, Anthony Linderman, Adrian Linderman, Joanna Linderman and Melanie Linderman; 11 beautiful great-grandchildren; a brother, Carmelo (Nunzia) Ruta of Sandusky; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raffaele and Margherita Ruta; and a sister, Maria Mandolfo. At the request of the family, private family funeral services took place. A Mass of Christian burial occurred at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Sandusky. Fr. Zachary Brown officiated. Entombment was in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, Sandusky. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in his name to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870; to Stein Hospice Service, Inc., 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870; or to St Jude's Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The family expresses sincere gratitude to all the caregivers that have become part of our family, and the services of Stein Hospice have been invaluable. Arrangements were entrusted to the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Orazio's family at davidfkoch.com.