Dr. Shaun Ruddy, 84, of Richmond and Nantucket, Mass., died April 3, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Millicent Ruddy; daughters, Christi Ruddy of Richmond and Candace Ruddy Lau-Hansen of Hingham, Mass.; three grandchildren, Kevin Alexander Lau-Hansen, Matthew Sean Lau-Hansen and Katharine Shea Hulcher. Dr. Ruddy completed undergraduate and medical studies at Yale University, followed by residency in internal medicine at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital of Harvard University. He served as a medical epidemiologist and commissioned officer in the Hepatitis Surveillance Unit with the CDC. Dr. Ruddy served on the faculty at Harvard University and Virginia Commonwealth University. He was Chair of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at VCU. He pioneered work on the complement pathway, discovering key components that are now well-known to be involved in inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders. Dr. Ruddy co-authored Kelley’s “Textbook of Rheumatology” and served as President and Master of the American College of Rheumatology. Much admired by his patients and respected by his colleagues, he received multiple awards for outstanding teaching and research throughout his career. He was a mentor to many, described by his students and colleagues alike as a giant in his field. Dr. Ruddy epitomized the academic physician who, through thoughtful curiosity and a prepared mind, made important contributions to the field of medicine. He was a fearless and an eternally optimistic sailor, a proud owner of a blue 1974 MGB (handily equipped with an umbrella opened at stoplights whenever it rained) and a lifelong lover of music of all types. Dr. Ruddy was an accomplished jazz clarinetist and saxophonist who played in many musical groups throughout his life. He was a skilled woodworker who crafted toys for his grandchildren and exquisite furniture for his wife. He loved dogs, particularly golden retrievers, of which he bred many litters. Dr. Ruddy was affectionately known as a Puppy Resuscitator, having saved multiple puppies at birth. Quick-witted, kind-hearted, intellectually curious and engaging, Dr. Ruddy was beloved by all. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Bliley’s-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, April 8, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Rd. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Rheumatology Research Foundation, 2200 Lake Blvd. NE., Atlanta, Ga. 30319,
rheumresearch.org/donate.
