(From his wife, Lynne)
Paul Ruback, Ladder 25, West 77th Street, lost his life on 9-11-01 while answering the call to the World Trade Center. He was called, "Paulie, the Gentle Giant" by many of his peers. He had six children total. Two step-children, Danny Marino, Denyse Betcher, and four children David 19, Gina 18, Shannon 12, and a child from another relationship, Paul Christopher 3. Paul and I were married for 20 years. He was a wonderful father to his children. We took in over 30 foster children over the years. David, Gina, and Shannon joined us from birth and we adopted all three. Paul loved soccer and basketball. He loved the mountains. We went to Caterskill Falls, in the Catskills, every year.. He loved to hike and camp. He picked up playing a guitar and enjoyed music of all kinds. And He loved his fellow firefighters. They all loved him very much, also. He never raised his voice, he had a Calm about him that made every one around him feel the same. Paul was raised by his mother, a widow, and his three sisters. Pat, Kathy, and his twin sister Jane... for this reason he loved being around the fire house and hanging around "the guys"... Paul always had an ear for anyone who needed to talk. He knew how to listen. And just the right thing to say to make you feel better. Paul was never too tired for his children. He could come from a day's work and if David wanted to play ball he would say "sure" and out he would go. He will always be remembered for his gentle ways, and Loved for the friend that he was to all. He is surely a hero in our eyes. We miss him very much. Rita ( LYNNE) Ruback

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