The Ruddy Family Old News

  • May 1, 2006 Once again I have fallen way behind in my webpage maintenance duties. The Theisens & Dawsons are in charge of the 61st annual Reunion. I have added some basic details to the Ruddy Reunion page.
  • July 5, 2005 The 60th Annual Ruddy Reunion was held in Waddington, NY. A total of 90? family members and guests attended the tradtional reunion hosted by part of the Irene LaDuke branch: Brian & Pam LaDuke, Heather LaDuke, Chad & Marlene LaDuke, Chris LaDuke, Meredith & Pat Connell, Katy LaDuke, Jessie LaDuke and Josh LaDuke. The day began with Mass at St. Mary's in Waddington. The parish priest was assisted by Deacon Bob Ruddy. Ellen Zagrobelny played the piano, and Timmy Bone sang. After mass we made the traditional visit to the cemetary to visit the graves of Jim & Nellie Ruddy as well as the other family members buried there. We then moved to Pat Ruddy's farm -- the family homestead, Early Dawn -- for the picnic and games. This year's reunion was unique in that every branch of the family was represented with Uncle Tom (97) attending. We had a few babies making thier reunion debut: Katy LaDuke did a great job of organizing games and getting 3 generations to participate. Ellen, Margaret and Jack Zagrobelny treated us to some Irish step dancing followed by their younger cousins giving it a try.
    Next year's reunion will be hosted by the Thiesens and Dawsons.
  • March 25, 2005 Wow! I have been really slow with keeping up the website. I'll do my best to go back and update with a summary of the 59th Reunion as well as any other news I have. In the meantime, the LaDuke clan is making plans for the 60th Reunion. It will be on Saturday, July 2nd, at Pat Ruddy's farm. Since this is the 60th annual reunion, Heather is collecting copies of old photos to put on a DVD. Click here for more details.
  • July 3, 2004 The 59th Annual Ruddy Reunion was held in Rosiere, NY. A total of 90? family members and guests attended the tradtional reunion hosted by the Vincent Ruddys: Terry & Michelle (Ruddy) Conant, Pat Ruddy & Leslie, and the Jim LaDukes: Rob & Jami (LaDuke) Hawthorne, Dan & Mary Kay (LaDuke) Greene, and Bob & Kelly (LaDuke) Connell . The day began with Mass at St. Vincent's in Rosiere. The parish priest was assisted by Deacon Bob Ruddy. Kelly Conant played the flute. After mass we moved across the street to the Knights of Columbus hall for the picnic and games. As usual there was lots of tasty food, and everyone got caught up from the past year. We had a few babies making thier reunion debut: Katy Marie Hawthorne (5.2.1.2) and Riley James Connell (5.2.3.2).
    Next year's reunion will be hosted by the remaining Irene LaDuke branch: Brian & Pam LaDuke, Heather LaDuke, Chad & Marlene LaDuke, Chris LaDuke, Meredith & Pat Connell, Katy LaDuke, Jessie LaDuke and Josh LaDuke.
  • June 18, 2004 I hope we'll see lots of people at this year's reunion in Rosiere, NY. All the info is posted on the message board below as well as here.
  • August 25, 2003 It seems like all these babies come in batches! Bob and Kelly (LaDuke) Connell announce the birth of their first child. Riley James Connell (5.2.3.2) weighed 7 pounds and was 20 inches long.
  • July 15, 2003 Rob and Jami (LaDuke) Hawthorne announce the birth of their second daughter. Katy Marie Hawthorne (5.2.1.2) weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 20 inches long.
  • July 8, 2003 For next year's Reunion, Pat & Leslie created a message board. There's a link above to join. Here's the to the message board for later reference. Click here to access message board.
  • July 5, 2003 The 58th Annual Ruddy Reunion was held in Norfolk, NY. A total of 85 family members and guests attended the tradtional reunion hosted by the Mark Ruddys Part II: Joe, Sandra, Mark, Liz & Eve Ruddy, Christa & John Musial, Rob LaClair, Jared Ruddy, Julia & Chris Rose, Jason Ruddy, Jeremy Marcil, and Paul Brachman. The day began with Mass at St. Mary's in Waddington. The parish priest was assisted by Deacon Bob Ruddy. Joe Ruddy played the organ and led the singing. Christa Musial and Mark Ruddy did the readings. After Mass we made the traditional visit to the St. Mary's cemetary to pray over the graves of James & Ellen Ruddy as well as other family members buried there, then we headed to Norfolk. Even though thunderstorms threatened, we ended up with a nice sunny day to enjoy Joe & Sandra Ruddy's backyard overlooking the Raquette River. As usual there was lots of tasty food, and everyone got caught up from the past year. Uncle Tom Ruddy was unable to join us this year due to poor health. However, we had representatives from all of the other seven original families. We had lots of new babies this year, Carter Rose (7.4.2.3), Gabriel Connell (5.3.2.1), and Thomas (7.1.5.6) & Bridget(7.1.5.6) Zagrobelny. If you're wondering what the answers to the quiz were, here they are. The 58th Ruddy birth was me (Christa). The 58th wedding was Chad & Marlene LaDuke. The family member closest to 58 in attendance was Pat Ruddy. The talent show was a big hit. The kids were our most eager performers. We had a variety of singing and dancing from Casey & Kelly Conant, Margaret Zagrobelny, Liz Ruddy, Alysha & Lauren LaDuke, Jack Ruddy and Kat Musial. We also had Mark & Joe Ruddy give a nice rendition of "Who's on First." The Sisters Sludge (Margie Zagrobelny, Rita LaClair, Frani Marcil & Helen Ruddy) and the Soggy Bottom Boys (Rob LaClair, Paul Brachman & Joe Ruddy) kept us all laughing.
    Next year's reunion will be hosted by the Vincent Ruddy branch: Michelle & Terry Conant and Pat Ruddy (with lots of help from Leslie) along with some of the Irene LaDuke branch: Jami & Rob Hawthorne, MaryKay & Dan Greene, and Kelly & Bob Connell.
    I am working on getting the pictures together. Here's what I have up so far. Click here for photos. . I have plenty more. Also, I have a scanner if you want to send me regular photos by snail mail.
  • May 15, 2003 It's time to begin making your plans for this year's Runion. Hopefully you received your Reunion letter via e-mail or snail mail. Here's the Reunion Letter as well. For something new, we're having a talent show this year. Be sure to RSVP to Julia by June 22nd. Let her know what you're bringing for the buffet and if anyone in your family will participate in the talent show.
  • March 6, 2003 Once again Steve Zagrobelny had to one up his brother Mike. Four years ago, Steve & Paula had twins a few months after Mike & Michelle's son Zeb was born. Well, they've done it again. Poor Pheobe has to give up the limelight to her new TWIN cousins. Thomas Michael (7.1.5.6) and Bridget Louise (7.1.5.7) Zagrobelny were born on March 6th and weighed 8lb 6oz and 8lb 4oz. Mom Paula says "They are screaming a lot but doing well otherwise. It was a long 9 months and I'm glad it's over."
  • January 21, 2003 Mike and Michelle Zagrobelny have the newest addition to the clan. Pheobe Ann Zagrobelny (7.1.6.3) was born at 8:01AM. The proud papa writes, "She weighed in at 7lbs. 12 oz. and was 20 inches long. Mom and babe came home yesterday (Wed.) and are feeling great. The rest of the clan is also adapting well to the addition. Zeb celebrated birthday #4 today and announced that he liked his little sister."
  • September 7, 2002 Congratulations to Dick Thiesen (8.1) on his ordaination as a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Albany by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. Dick sent the following note: "My liturgical and service ministry will be at my home parish of Our Lady of Fatima Parish as well as at the Glendale Nursing Home both of which are in Schenectady. Deacon Bob Ruddy and a number of other family members were among those welcoming me at ordination to the service of God's people. I ask that this wonderful family of ours keep each other in prayer as we all follow our baptismal call."
  • August 9, 2002 Julia and Chris Rose have the newest addition to the clan. Carter Jon Rose (7.4.2.3) was born at 4:36PM. Mike Zag reports, "He's a big boy--- 22" long and 9lbs 2oz!!! Mom and baby are home and doing wonderfully. I have held him and can attest to his good nature (he was sleeping) and good looks."
  • August 8, 2002 I finally got all my photos on the website. Take a look! I can always add more if you want to send me some.
  • July 6, 2002 The 57th Annual Ruddy Reunion was held in Norwood, NY. A total of 91 family members and guests attended the tradtional reunion hosted by the Zagrobelnys: Jim & Phyllis, Mark, Teri & Tom Bone, Kate & Van VanBaron, Steve & Paula and Mike & Michelle. The day began with Mass at St. Mary's in Waddington. The parish priest was assisted by Deacon Bob Ruddy and altar servers Christine Zagrobelny and Megan Bone. Paula Zagrobelny played the piano, and Timmy Bone led the singing. After Mass we made the traditional visit to the St. Mary's cemetary to pray over the graves of James & Ellen Ruddy as well as other family members buried there, then we headed to Norwood. We had a nice sunny day on the porch and lawn of Mike & Michelle Zagrobelny's home. As usual there was lots of tasty food, and everyone got caught up from the past year. Again this year we had representatives from all of the original families including Uncle Tom Ruddy, the only living member of the original eight siblings. We only had one new baby this year, Jacob Thiesen (8.2.1.1), but Jake Ruddy (7.4.3.1) made his first Ruddy Reunion appearance as well. Best Wishes go out to Chad LaDuke and Marlene Bouchard on their wedding next week. Next year's reunion will be hosted by the Mark Ruddys Part II (Christa & John Musial, Rob LaClair, Jared Ruddy, Julia & Chris Rose, Jason & Lynette Ruddy, Jeremy Marcil, Paul Brachman, and Mark, Liz & Eve Ruddy (really Joe & Sandra!). Thanks to Reid Gates, I have some photos up already. I hope people will e-mail me some of the great photos I saw them taking with their digital cameras. Also, I have a scanner if you want to send me regular photos by snail mail.
  • June 4, 2002 Details about this year's reunion have been added to The 57th Annual Reunion page. Be sure to RSVP to Mike & Michelle by e-mail, snail mail, phone, "or have your mother tell my mother who will tell my brother who might call me if he remembers."
  • May 7, 2002 Scott and Jamie (Dawson) Lafountain announce the birth of their daughter Brinley Louise Lafountain (Genealogy ID# 4.1.3.2). Grandpa Jack reported that she was 7.75 pounds and 20.25 inches long and is home growing well and beautiful.
  • February 11, 2002 This year's planning committee has set date & place for this year's reunion. It's Saturday, July 6, in Norwood, NY. More details to follow soon.
  • July 7, 2001 The 56th Annual Ruddy Reunion was held in Burlington, VT. A total of 101 family members and guests attended the tradtional reunion hosted by the Dawsons: JD & Nicole LaBreque, Jen, Jamie & Scott Lafountain, Elizabeth, and Alexandra; and the Thiesens: Kathy & Chris Gardner, Michael, Pat and Chris. As usual there was lots of tasty food, and everyone got caught up from the past year. We had a warm, breezy day over looking Lake Champlain. Fr. Mike Dougherty from St. Michaels College said Mass. Bob Ruddy assisted and told us all about his new vocation working in the prison system and encouraged volunteers. For the first time in a few years we had representatives from all of the original families. The new babies showed up in force again this year. Here's who attended their first Ruddy Reunion -- Julia Hawthorne (5.2.1.1), Lexi Greene (5.2.2.3), and Andrew Gardner (8.1.1.1). At the meeting J.D. encouraged discussion around a couple of topics. One was a Ruddy banner. Everyone seemed to like the idea. Over the next year, a committee will be working on putting together a banner for the 57th reunion. Some of the ideas discussed were the Ruddy crest or a photo of "Early Dawn". I'll post updates on the progress and elicit suggestions. Another topic was establishing a Ruddy Cup. We all have fond memories of the friendly competitions between the families over the years. The competition this year included volleyball, croquet, bocci, and tug-of-war. I'm not sure who won this year, but tug-of-war clearly went to the LaDuke women. They managed to best all comers -- including the LaDuke men and the Mark Ruddy men! Next year's reunion will be hosted by the Zagrobelnys. Thanks to Kate Van Baron, I have some photos up already. I hope people will e-mail me some of the great photos I saw them taking with their digital cameras. Also, I have a scanner if you want to send me regular photos by snail mail.
  • June 28, 2001Chris Gardner just sent me a photo of Andrew. I've added it to their birth announcement below.
  • May 28, 2001 Chris and Kathy (Thiesen) Gardner announce the birth of their son Andrew Scott Gardner (Genealogy ID# 8.1.1.1). According to Daddy, "He was 8 lbs, 13 ounces, and 21 inches long. A big boy, to be sure!! And, although I admit I'm biased, he is absolutely beautiful!! He has little wisps of dark brown hair and a dimple on his chin." Here's a photo of Chris, Kathy & Andrew.
  • March 30, 2001 Happy 93rd Birthday, Uncle Tom! Julia (Ruddy) Rose sent a photo from a little celebration they had for Uncle Tom's birthday. Pictured (back, l-r)Chris Rose, Zeb, Michelle, and Mike Zagrobelny, Drew Rose, Pat, Uncle Tom, and Cheryl Ruddy; (front, l-r)Julia and Shane Rose, Zoe Zagrobelny.
  • January 5, 2001 Rob and Jami (LaDuke) Hawthorne announce the birth of their daughter Julia Hawthorne (Genealogy ID# 5.2.1.1). She missed being a New Year baby by a few days but weighed in at 7lbs. 7oz. Grandpa Jim sent a photo of the new addition. You can post them a note on the message board.
  • October 15, 2000 Sad news today. Aunt Irene has died. She was 94 years old. Please e-mail me if you would like any of the LaDuke family addresses.
  • September 10, 2000 Oh boy! We have a trivia question! Click here Does anyone recognize this couple? HINT: They had their 40th anniversary this year!! Post your answers on the message board.
  • September 5, 2000 We now have a family message board. You can post a message for everyone to read. I will still post news here, but you can use the message board to relay news or just say hi to everyone. Click here to go to the message board.
  • August 29, 2000 Julia Rose sent me photos from this year's reunion. I finally got them up! Click here to see them.
  • July 15, 2000 More babies! Dan and Mary Kay (LaDuke) Greene announce the birth of their daughter Alexandra Nicole Greene (ID# 5.2.2.3). She was 6lb8oz and 20 1/4 in. long. Everyone is doing well.
  • July 1, 2000 The 55th Annual Ruddy Reunion was held in Saratoga Springs, NY. A total of 92 people attended the tradtional reunion hosted by Rob & Jami (LaDuke) Hawthorne, Dan & Mary Kay (LaDuke) Greene, and Brian & Pam LaDuke. As usual there was lots of tasty food, and everyone got caught up from the past year. We had a perfect day -- warm & sunny. Bob Ruddy assisted at the Mass and gave a lovely sermon. We again had everyone introduce themselves because some of the "married-ins" have know idea who belongs to who. The new babies showed up in force this year. Here's who attended their first Ruddy Reunion -- Brady Lafountain (4.1.3.1), Justin LaDuke (5.1.1.3), Alex Bland (5.3.1.1), Russell & Mary Zagrobelny (7.1.5.4 & 5), Kat Musial (7.3.1.1), and Drew Rose (7.4.2.2). Next year's reunion will be hosted by the Dawsons & Thiesens. Since I was one of the "new moms" this year, I didn't take any photos. Please send me some (e-mail or snail mail -- I have a scanner) so I can post them.
  • April 25, 2000 Another baby! Chris and Julia (Ruddy) Rose announce the birth of their son Drew Patrick Rose (Genealogy ID# 7.4.2.2).
  • April 7, 2000 Babies, babies, everywhere! 2000 will be a big year for the Ruddy clan! Scott and Jamie (Dawson) Lafountain announce the birth of their son Brady Scott Lafountain (Genealogy ID# 4.1.3.1). He arrived at 6:36am weighing 8lb. 10 oz., 21" long. Grandpa Jack says everyone is doing great.
  • March 30, 2000 I have news of my own today! John and Christa (LaClair) Musial announce the birth of their daughter Kathryn Yvonne Musial (Genealogy ID# 7.3.1.1). Here's a photo of our new addition.
  • February 29, 2000 Jason and Lynette Ruddy announce the newest member of the Ruddy family. Their son Jake William Ruddy (Genealogy ID# 7.4.3.1) was born -- a leap baby! Jason sent a photo of the new arrival.
  • October 9, 1999 Congratulations to Bob Ruddy who was ordained a deacon this weekend. The service was performed at the cathedral in Ogdensburg.
  • September 2, 1999 Jason Ruddy (Genealogy ID# 7.4.3) married Lynette Aguilar.

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