Hudson/Concord – Duane M. Ruse, 76, of Concord passed away at home on December 25, 2024. Duane loved deeply, leaving a lasting impression on many people throughout his life.
Born on October 9, 1948, in Long Beach, CA, Duane was the son of Duane and Helen Ruse. He was raised in southern California along with his sister Denine.
Duane graduated from Woodrow Wilson High in 1966. He then enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Ticonderoga during the Vietnam War. After his service, he settled in Massachusetts and worked for several esteemed companies, including Lance Corporation, Hudson Pewter, Data General, Prime Computer, and Genzyme. Along the way, he formed lasting friendships with many of his colleagues.
He was very hard working and took great pride in the quality of his work. He frequently built strong connections with his coworkers and would often organize lunchtime cribbage games and provide mentorship. His compassionate nature and willingness to lend an empathetic ear earned him the affectionate nickname “Dad” from many of his younger colleagues.
Duane was also a lover of sci-fi movies and a devoted reader of all Stephen King’s works. He loved entertainment of all kinds, from live concerts to silly comedies to thrillers to action movies, and would often watch tv shows from the Muppet Show to Antiques Roadshow.
Duane was an avid golfer who took any opportunity he could to be on the golf course. Passionate about baseball, he spent many years coaching baseball in Hudson and Concord for his sons and nephews. Duane was a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, whether he was watching his beloved team from the stands in Fenway Park or from his favorite easy chair at home.
He was extremely passionate about music, playing many instruments over his lifetime including the tuba, saxophone, piano, and most notably, his prized accordion. Later in life, Duane found joy playing the accordion for seniors at local community centers and nursing homes. A loyal friend, he was always eager to seize opportunities for camaraderie, whether it be a round of golf, a game of cribbage, a shared meal, or simply an engaging conversation. Duane was a true foodie at heart, whether he was savoring a meal at a favorite restaurant or creating his own culinary delights at home. His enchiladas were unrivaled and his Cornish pasties, a family recipe passed on through 5 generations and growing, were legendary.
Duane loved traveling to Arizona to visit his family and friends. While there, he enjoyed dining at some of his favorite restaurants, playing golf, and lounging by the pool under the sunny Arizona skies.
Duane’s favorite dinner companion was his wife, Jane. They married on September 19,1987. He and Jane spent many years visiting Cape Cod, soaking up the sun at Craigville Beach and enjoying Four Seas Ice Cream.
Duane had a deep affection for his family. His grandchildren, Parker, Thomas and William were the light of his life, and he took great joy in their company. He absolutely loved and adored them, as well as their parents. He greeted them with big smiles and even bigger hugs.
Duane was predeceased by his parents, Duane and Helen Ruse. Cherished husband of Jane Ruse of Concord, MA. He was the loving father of Kevin Ruse and his wife Beth of Mansfield, MA and Deron Ruse and his wife Melissa of Phoenix, AZ. Proud grandfather of Parker, Thomas and William Ruse. He is also survived by his sister, Denine Bruce, brother-in-law Ron Bruce and nephew Chad, and many extended family members and friends.
Rest in peace, Duane. You will be missed beyond measure. You leave behind a legacy of love. You will be with us always. Your spirit will live on in all who knew and loved you.
To respect Duane’s wishes, the family will not be holding funeral services. Please take a moment to privately cherish his memory in your own special way.
Donations in memory of Duane can be made to:
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.