Services announced for Mahoning supervisor killed in crash

Services have been announced for Franklin L. Ruch, the Mahoning Township supervisor who died in a crash Monday evening at the intersection of routes 865 and 61.

Ruch, 54, was the husband of Lori C. (Ziegenfuss) Ruch. They were married for 31 years last May 16.

Born in Lehighton, he was a son of Orpah K. (Solt) Ruch of Lehighton and the late Delroy V. Ruch Jr.

He was currently employed with the Pa. Turnpike Commission as the District 5 Operations Manager.

Ruch was a member of St. Peter’s Church, West Penn, & The Mahoning Union Sunday school.

He was a member of The Lehighton Fire Company, The Mahoning Township Volunteer Fire Co., The Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Co., The Mahoning Ambulance Association, The Lehighton American Legion Post 314, Lehighton Lodge #621 F & AM, The Beaver Run Rod & Gun Club, The East Penn Sporting Club, The Andreas Sporting Club, & The Mahoning Valley Lions Club.

A sports enthusiast, he was a former volunteer for the Lehighton High School Football Team, a former Lehighton Knee-high Football coach, the Vice President of the Lehighton Bowling League, and played in the Mahoning & St. Peters Churchmen’s softball league.

In his spare time, he enjoyed farming, spending time with his loving wife, family, and friends, riding motorcycles, family jaunts to Wellsboro,, hunting, trips to the Pa Farm Show and Ag Progress days.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother is a sister, Marilynn Ruch, 2 brothers, Brian Ruch & his wife Roxanne, Stephen Ruch, a son, Brandon Ruch of Lehighton, nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Amy Beth Ruch.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter’s Church, 184 St. Peters Road, Tamaqua, with the Rev. Kenneth T. Melber Jr. officiating.

Call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at The Ovsak FH, 190 S. 4th St. Lehighton and from 9-10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Masonic Services 5:45 p.m. on Friday. Interment in St. Peters adjoining parish cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in his name may be made to the Mahoning Valley Volunteer Fire Co., 2358 Mahoning Drive West., Lehighton, Pa. 18235 or The Mahoning Valley Ambulance Assoc. 902 Mill Road, Lehighton, Pa. 18235.