Obituary of Joan M. Ruddy

Joan Marie Ruddy, 57, passed away in Manhattan on March 31, 2024, after a lengthy illness. She was born October 8, 1966, in Binghamton, NY, to Patrick J. Ruddy and Jayne L. (Brosnan) Ruddy. Joan is predeceased by her parents, her brother Michael Ruddy, her nephew Connor McHugh, and her mother-in-law Edith (Joan) Dickson. As a student at Seton Catholic Central High School in Binghamton, she formed lifelong friendships and developed her passion for advocacy. She had a strong work ethic and an early affinity for the legal profession. While in high school, she was hired by the law firm of Hickey Sheehan and Gates, where they recognized the eagerness of this young, bright student and helped launch her decades-long career. After graduating from the University of New York at Buffalo in 1988, Joan attended City University of New York, where she received her Juris Doctor. She always had a thirst for knowledge and a love for travel, and was chosen to attend scholarship programs in international law and jurisprudence in Vienna, Austria and comparative tort law in Havana, Cuba. Joan was a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in medical malpractice defense and regulatory compliance law. Her career spanned over 30 years in the New York metropolitan area. She had vast knowledge of civil procedure and litigation and successfully represented medical centers, group practices, and premier hospitals. Joan most recently returned to her roots in Binghamton and joined the law firm of Aswad and Ingraham, LLP. She was thrilled to be able to contribute her expertise to this group of professionals from her hometown. More than Joan's successful career, her true passion was her family. She adored the loves of her life, her husband Steve and their two sons, Jack and Sean. She was such a force in their lives, attending all of their soccer and basketball games and offering encouragement in all that they did. Joan was involved in the Parents Leadership Council at Binghamton University, where both her boys will be graduating in May. Joan was so proud knowing they were about to embark on their post-college careers. Joan is survived by her husband Steven Dickson; their sons, John (Jack) Dickson and Sean Dickson; her siblings, Patrick Ruddy, Kathy (Pat) McHugh, Betsy (Gene) Voegtlin, Julie (Mike) Malling; her sisters-in-law, Joann (John) Weed and Carla (Gerry) Thorpe; her father-in-law John Dickson and his wife Carol Dickson; and many nieces and nephews. Charitable donations in Joan's honor can be made to the LiveOnNY Foundation in support of organ transplantation and donation or to the Mount Sinai Health System. Funeral Services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday, April 12, 2024 at 12 noon. Rev. Msgr. Michael T. Meagher will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home, Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon.