A private memorial service was recently held for longtime Livingston High School music teacher William R. Ruch, who died at the age of 97 at Morristown Medical Center on Monday, December 29. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he was a graduate of West Chester College. Mr. Ruch served as a bombardier Lieutenant in the US Army Air Force during World War II on active duty in the European theater, based in England. He was hired as an instrumental music teacher in the Livingston school district in 1946. There, he met his wife, fellow music teacher Jean Maust. The couple settled in Berkeley Heights, where they resided until Mrs. Ruch's death in 1994. Mr. Ruch later became the director of instrumental music at Livingston High School, leading both the band and orchestra. He earned a master's degree from New York University during his early years of teaching. Later in his career, he taught at Livingston elementary schools until his retirement in 1981. He was the founding church organist at the Presbyterian Church of Livingston for more than 50 years. Following his retirement, he was an active volunteer in many community organizations in both Union and Essex Counties, including Runnells Specialized Hospital. Mr. Ruch moved to Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge in 1996, where he led the community chorus for nearly 15 years. Predeceased by his wife, Jean, he is survived by his son, David R. Ruch, and his wife, NanHe, who reside in Seoul, Korea; and one grandchild. Memorial donations may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Livingston Music Fund.
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