Bruce Ruttenberg, 90

BARRINGTON, R.I. – Bruce Robert Ruttenberg, of Barrington, passed away on July 30, 2022, at his residence.

He graduated from Hope High School as Valedictorian in 1950, from Harvard University in 1954 and then from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1958. While studying for the RI Bar, he met Norman Orodenker. The two of them formed the firm Ruttenberg & Orodenker and later joined the firm Licht & Semonoff. Bruce became a senior partner when that firm expanded to become Levy Goodman Semonoff & Gorin. He later broke from that firm to become a founding partner of Chace Ruttenberg & Freedman.

He always had a strong interest in politics but no desire to run for office, so he consulted with and wrote speeches for Gov. Frank Licht throughout his political career. Frank often said it was Bruce who got him elected. He was a gifted corporate and estate planning attorney who developed and maintained close, lasting relationships with his clients. His insatiable intellectual curiosity and engaging personality made him a friend of many. Bruce retired from law in 2005.

He went on to establish the Providence Lifelong Learning Collaborative with his friend Barnet Fain. There he taught history and current events classes without ever using any notes. His classes were always full.

In the community, he served on the boards of the Gordon School and The Miriam Hospital.

He was a loyal friend who loved Dixieland jazz and reading. All who knew him will miss his humor and the twinkle in his eyes.

His family includes his wife Heather MacLeod; his former spouse Barbara Ruttenberg; four children Beth Ruttenberg, David Ruttenberg,  Jennifer Shea and the late Laurie Fortin; two stepchildren Autumn Williams and John D. Crouchley; one brother, Jeff Ruttenberg; and 11 grandchildren.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to American Indian College Fund, P.O. Box 172449, Denver, CO 80217-2449 or a charity of your choice.