Francis John Ruane, age 88 of Ithaca, died Wednesday morning at Lakeside Nursing Home. Frank was born in Ithaca, a son of the late Thomas P. and Bina Ruane.

Prior to his retirement, he was a Physical Education teacher for 26 years at LeRoy Central School and other schools throughout Upstate New York. During his employment he coached football, basketball, and baseball. He traveled extenstively and made many trips to South Bend, IN for the Fighting Irish game at Notre Dame. As an avid golfer, he played every golf course in the British Open rotation. He was a loyal Buffalo Bills fan.

 

Survivors include his sister, Helen Tudi; two sister-in-laws, Barbara Ruane and Margaret Ruane; several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. He is predeceased by his brothers, Robert Ruane and James Ruane.

 

Friends and family may call from 9:00 - 10:30a.m. Saturday (February 7, 2009) at the Herson Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church with the Rev. Leo Reinhardt officiating. Burial will follow with full Military Honors in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either, Ithaca College Athletics or to Notre Dame Football Assn. or to a charity of the donor's choice.