Obituary of Timothy Ruane

Tim Ruane, 59, of Morganville, NJ, succumbed to pancreatic cancer in Red Bank’s Riverview Medical Center on Sunday, September 15, 2019.

Born in Elizabeth, Tim grew up the youngest of five children in Roselle Park, where he quickly established himself as the comedian of the family. With a hilarious one-liner or sarcastic quip always at the ready, Tim never failed to make those around him laugh. But his humor was never just for comedy’s sake. Instead, Tim was so funny because he genuinely wanted the people around him to feel happy at all times. And when his loved ones were feeling down, he was the first one to make them feel good again. He truly was a shining beacon of positivity.

Tim’s magnanimous nature was shared with his wife Lorraine, who he met on his mail delivery route while working for the United States Post Office. By all accounts, the two had a perfect marriage, building a home filled with happiness and laughter. Then, when their children Hailey and Thomas were born in 2002 and 2005, Tim proved to be the ideal parent. From bonding with Hailey over their shared sense of humor to providing the best possible care to Thomas—who is severely autistic—Tim did everything possible to make his kids happy. Even after Lorraine’s tragic death in June and his own cancer diagnosis in August, he always ensured his children came first. 

Throughout his life, Tim was a diehard Yankees fan, rarely missing a game on television. He also loved watching movies, crime and historical shows, “The Simpsons,” “Jeopardy,” and—with Lorraine by his side—“The Price is Right” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Additionally, he enjoyed playing chess and reading about the Civil War. In fact, he regularly visited Civil War historic sites, with Gettysburg being a particular favorite.

Above all though, Tim enjoyed simply spending time with his loved ones. Some of his favorite memories were of gathering with his relatives at holiday parties and birthdays, and the annual family trips to Trenton Thunder games he and Lorraine organized were eagerly anticipated traditions. The Ruanes will continue getting together, but these occasions will not be the same without Tim. He will be greatly missed.

Tim was predeceased by his wife Lorraine, his father Edward, and his mother Isabel. He is survived by his daughter Hailey; his son Thomas; his brother Edward and his wife Jill; his brother John and his wife Renate; his sister Deborah Quinn and her husband John; his sister Donna Rogers and her husband Charles; and a wealth of other relatives.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, September 20, 2019, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home at 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan with a funeral service to be held at 6:30 p.m. that same night. In lieu of flowers, Tim’s loved ones request monetary donations to help his daughter Hailey pay for college during this trying time. To make a contribution, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/tim-ruane-memorial-education-fund.