By Kevin McCauley
Bill Ruder, co-founder of Ruder Finn, died on Feb. 22 in New York. He was 89.
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Ruder is remembered as a "dear friend" and "consummate businessman, with the ability to shake every hand in the room without making anyone feel slighted," according to a remembrance penned by David Finn.
The childhood friends capitalized on a shared interest in art, establishing Art in Industry, which was run out of a linen closet at Manhattan’s Lombardy Hotel in 1948.
RF made its mark in the entertainment field by promoting the records of Perry Como. The partners built on their corporate experience to branch out in healthcare, technology, engineering and environmental programming, remembers Finn.
Ruder remained an RF board member until his last days. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and six children.
There will be a private funeral service. A memorial service is slated for March 30 at 2 p.m. at a location still not determined.
Donations in Ruder’s honor should be sent to the International Multiple Sclerosis Research Center at 521 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.
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