Jerry Ruschmeyer, 64
Jerry Russell Ruschmeyer of New Port Richey, Fla., a Montauker who moved to Florida, where he was the captain of sportfishing boats for many years, died on Jan. 24 at Tampa General Hospital two weeks after suffering a brain aneurysm. He was 64 years old.
Mr. Ruschmeyer was born at Southampton Hospital on June 5, 1950. His parents, the late Gerhardt and Vera Russell Ruschmeyer, founded Ruschmeyer’s hotel and restaurant in Montauk, and he grew up and attended public school there. His graduating class had only 17 members and the boys in the class became a close-knit group who stayed in touch even though Mr. Ruschmeyer left for Florida not long after graduating from East Hampton High School. He was “full of life and always up for a party,” his family said.
As an outdoorsman, Mr. Ruschmeyer not only was a sportfisherman, but enjoyed hunting, kayaking, and camping. He also played golf and had coached T-ball. A friend, James Nicoletti of East Hampton, said that he also was “into food,” making dinner for his daughter and her family every Sunday, and occasionally posted photos of meals he had prepared on Facebook.
After leaving the water in 1985, Mr. Ruschmeyer went into the window treatment business, owning Shutters International and, previously, Vertical Blinds Etc. He was a member of Grace Family Church in Lutz, Fla.
His surviving daughter is JeriRose Chandler, also of New Port Richey. His marriage to the former Juniece Vandergriff had ended in divorce. He also is survived by two grandchildren, whom, his daughter said, he adored and for whom he created an education fund. Contributions to the fund in his memory, which, she said, “Dad would love,” can be made online at gofundme.com/ granders.
He also is survived by a stepmother, Christine Ruschmeyer Moore, and by a sister, Chrissy Ruschmeyer, both of Miami.
A lakeside barbecue to celebrate his life will be held on Feb. 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Hungry Harry’s BBQ Lakehouse, 3116 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, Land O’ Lakes, Fla.
Mr. Ruschmeyer’s family and friends plan a local celebration of his life in the spring when they will disperse his ashes in the waters off Montauk.