Stover E. “Ed” Ruch Jr., 85, of Northampton and formerly of Whitehall and Phillipsburg, N.J., died June 26, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Inpatient Hospice Care, Allentown. He was the husband of the late Barbara L. (Lentz) Ruch.

Born in Bethlehem Township, he was the son of the late Stover E. Sr. and Anna (Schissler) Ruch.

He served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a airman 2nd class.

He started a career in law enforcement, earning a patrolman position with Phillipsburg Police Department. He retired as lieutenant in June 1986 after a 25-year career.

He was an active participant and involved in the community, serving as past vice president of Steele Hill Boys Club 1970-77, Phillipsburg Athletic Commission and Phillipsburg Parks and Recreation Committee. He was instrumental in starting the Phillipsburg Block Watch program and was former past treasurer of Chessman Jr. Drum and Bugle Corps., Easton.

He was active with Boy Scouts of America, Troop 56 Minsi Trail Council, serving as assistant Scout Master as well as serving as advancement chair for the troop committee from 1977 to 1986.

When living in Presidential Village, Whitehall, he served a few years as the homeowner association president.

He was a member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Whitehall.

He is survived by a son, Robin E. and fiancee Tracie Auray of Allentown; a stepson, Scott Dieter and wife Kelly of Huntington Beach, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Karen Dieter of Ogdensburg, N.Y.; a granddaughter, Keara of Philadelphia; and three nephews, Edward Flynn and wife Stephanie, Thomas Flynn and wife Ellen and Brian Flynn and wife Linda.

He was predeceased by a sister, Florence Flynn.

Contributions may be made to the church memorial fund, Steele Hill Boys Club or Minsi Trails Council Boy Scouts of America, all c/o the funeral home, 2119 Washington Ave., Northampton, 18067.

Arrangements were made by Schisler Funeral Home.