Brian E. Ruth, 70, Co-Founder, Haverhill-Newburyport Human Services Coalition

Brian_RuthBrian E. Ruth, 70, of Haverhill, passed away June 14, at the VA Hospital in Brockton after a lengthy illness.

Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late John and Margaret (Cotter) Ruth. Raised and educated in Haverhill, he attended the St. James School and was a graduate of St. James High School, class of 1965. He attended Northern Essex Community College in 1967 and received his bachelor’s from Murray State University in 1969. He served his country in the United States Army in the Medical Corp during the Vietnam War from 1969 until 1971 and was honorably discharged. In 1972 he obtained his master’s from the University of Texas and his CAGS Degree in 1988 from Boston University.He was an Internship supervisor for Boston University from 1980 to 2000, co-founder and president of the Haverhill-Newburyport Human Services Coalition from 1979 to 1991, served on the Dental Assistant Advisory Committee for Northern Essex Community College from 1999 to 2004 and was the chairperson of the Greater Haverhill Committee for the Employment of the Handicapped from 1975 to 1985. For many years, he was employed as a supervisor for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission until his retirement. He enjoyed skiing, hanging at the beach, and spending time with family.

He is survived by his son Shaun E. Ruth of Haverhill; siblings John M. “Jack” Ruth and his wife Clodette of Haverhill; David F. Ruth and his wife Lorraine of Northwood, N.H.; sister-in-law, Patricia Ruth of Haverhill; two grandchildren, Margaret “Maggie” Kloster and Brady Kloster; son-in-law, Peter G. Kloster, of Haverhill; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Tracey M. Kloster and brother, R. Barry Ruth.

His funeral was Saturday. Arrangements were under the direction of Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Donations may be made in his memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 North Main Street, #104, Natick, MA 01760.