John Smith Ruef

John S. Ruef, MD passed away on August 1, 2024, surrounded by family in Charleston, SC.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joan, and is survived by his sister, Marian (David) Bicks of New York City, his daughters, Susan (Don) Ruef-Statt of Rochester; Karen (Dan) Meagher; and Mary (Brian) Olofsson of Charleston, SC. He also leaves behind 7 grandsons and 2 great grandsons.

Born in Syracuse, NY, on March 7, 1931, and raised in Lake George, NY, he always has had a little piece of his heart in the Adirondacks, where he attended the Lake George Junior/Senior High School and later graduated from Cornell University. He spent 4 years as an Officer in the United States Navy and went on to graduate from Harvard Medical School.

After getting married in 1959, and completing his residency in Cooperstown, he and Joan moved to Rochester where he spent the entirety of his medical career and raised his daughters. As a dedicated physician, John was Chief Resident of Strong Hospital as well as having a private practice for over 40 years and was a faculty member of the University of Rochester medical school. He was noted as a compassionate and impassioned caregiver and was beloved and respected by his patients and colleagues alike. 

After spending his retirement mostly in Rochester, he moved to Charleston, SC in 2022 where he lived out the remainder of his days enjoying the sun and the water with his daughters close by. 

As per his request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Verona Street Animal Society (vsas.org).

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.