Paul Ruthfield's Obituary
Paul Ruthfield of Bay Harbor Islands, FL, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2022, some three weeks shy of his 84th birthday of January 12. Paul lived his life well; colorfully and with a notion that he might well live forever. He was funny, generous, and larger than life. His friends stretched up and down the East Coast because he pretty well personally touched every person he ever met, especially his three wives and the woman who was his partner for the past 14 years, Linda Zilber. People recognized Paul almost everywhere he went, forever chomping on the tip of a $10 cigar.
His parents, Max and Eva Ruthfield, brought Paul and his younger brother to Miami Beach in 1947 from Chelsea, MA. He attended South Beach Elementary School, where his teachers wanted to skip him a couple of grades, but his mom said, “Are you crazy? I know my older son is intelligent but let him be him.” And that was that.
He was brilliant in other ways as well. He attended Miami Beach Senior High School Class of 1956 where he was the Band Manager and first-seat trumpet player, and in his senior year sat in the Number One seat in statewide competition. He loved that horn almost as much as he loved his Scotch and tooted his tunes with a few other kids called The Beachcombers. It wasn’t exactly stardom, but good enough to play gigs at hotels and parties, especially on New Year’s Eve.
He graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Finance and went on to become a highly successful financial consultant, broker and manager at several major financial institutions. Paul’s life was filled with cheer and whimsy and he had more friends and acquaintances than his NFL quarterback clients.
Paul was also a true patriot, having served as an officer in the U.S. Navy after college graduation.
An active member of the Miami Beach Senior High School Alumni Association, Paul and his partner, Linda awarded scholarships to needy children.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving daughters Fern Thomas (Michael) of New York City, Abby Rutka (Tim) of Branchburg, NJ, his son Scott Ruthfield (Danielle) of Seattle, WA, his brother Ron (Gail) of Boone, NC, in addition to four grandchildren, Max, Josh, Mica and Nava. He was incredibly proud of his family who flocked to support him in his final days. They will miss him for the rest of their lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp U.O.T.S. (campuots.org), a Miami-based camp for pediatric cancer patients founded by his mother, Eva, in 1990. A memorial service is being planned to honor and memorialize one of the nicest guys who ever lived in South Florida.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?