Richard "Rick" W. Ruark

Richard W, Ruark age 71 of Pittsburgh’s North Side, formerly of Erie, PA, passed peacefully with his wife at his side on Saturday June 17, 2023.

Known as Rick to friends and family, he was born July 16, 1951 in Columbus Ohio. The son of the late Richard Wilson Ruark and Kathryn (Cartus) Ruark. Rick was beloved husband of twenty years to Karen (Humphreys) Laverty. Rick was preceded in death by his two sons Aaron and Jamie (Tina). He is survived by his sister Holly Anderson (Ruark) of California, brother Bill Abbott, nieces Jill Bold and Heidi Smith of Texas, and grandchildren Margot Trohoske Ruark, Chloe, Colin, and Cylie Ruark of Erie, PA.  He was like a father to Charles Brown. Rick is survived by many other family members and numerous friends. 

Rick enjoyed a successful professional career as designer with General Electric, Comcast and MSA. He was creative and motivated self-teacher that led his career on his own terms.After retiring Rick found professional success with his paintings and digital designs at ArtLifing. Rick’s art was influenced by the Haitian artists of Miami, as well as Frank Lloyd Wright. Additionally, Rick appreciated the Bauhaus artists and architects, as well Victor Vaserely, Andy Warhol, and Frank Stella.

A “The Last Waltz” celebration of life will be held with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Hills Art Center’s Healing Power of Art Program. northhillsartcenter.org/Healing-Power-of-Art (https://northhillsartcenter.org/Healing-Power-of-Art)