It deeply saddens me to write this post. Tom Ruckle, legendary, and long time Chief in the fleet has passed away. Tom was a Chief on a number of seiners, first working in the Eastern Pacific later in the Western Pacific (Samoa). But he will always be remembered for his time aboard the Antonina C. If you knew Tom you would know about the love of his life, Connie and 4 his boys, Tom, Bill, Mike and Ronnie. And I guess I can’t share my thoughts without talking about Connie. You see the women in the family were just as much of the fleet as the men were. So many men including Tom, found their way out to Sea for sometimes 10 to 11 months a year and the Ruckle family was no different with Connie running the family from home and Tom from the Sea. I personally went to bed last night sad about Tom’s passing , but when I woke up this morning I realized I was blessed to have gone from a little boy to young adult in the Ruckle house. So many memories I have of Tom and Connie , and I guess I think of a quote from a favorite movie growing up, ” Hero’s get remembered but legends never die ” Tom and Connie are together again…
19 Replies to “Tom Ruckle Sr.”
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You left your legacy here on earth with us and I will never forget that. You the best papa ever and you and nana are together again❤️
Dad you always had a plan, and you had a plan right up to the very end……. you wanted to be with mom on your anniversary and you made that happen. You had a gift of being able to do many things at the highest level, you truly were brilliant. You will be sorely missed by many but so happy you made it back to mom for your 58th anniversary meal. love you, give mom a kiss for me.
I fished with Tom and his son Tommy on the antonina C we used to call Little Tommy notes he always had a big heart used to be a ham operator he always let us call home to talk to are wives while we were at sea he was a great man and awesome chief I’ll never forget that big smile and his full beard he also helped me build a tuna boat model that I still have to this day rest in peace Tom I will always remember you.
A PL Legend. My heart goes out to all of you in the Ruckle family. Played ball with Ronnie. Good times. Loved your dad.
Yesterday our Papa Tom Ruckle was called to heaven… so many memories shared, so much love and laughter but heaven was calling him home to be with our Nana, on their Wedding Anniversary. As much as this is a great loss for our family, they are together.
Thank you Papa for all the love you showed us, for leading the way for the family. For all the sacrifices you made for us all even from sea. For showing us no matter the circumstance there is always a way.
Hero’s get remembered but Legends never die!!!
I love you so much Papa, give Nana a great big kiss from us ?
So sad to hear this news…Many memories with you and your family from back in the days. Always so welcoming to us with a big smile. My condolences to the family. RIP Tom
I have no words right now. Uncle Tom, you were loved and will be missed beyond measure. Aunt Connie can now rest knowing you are in her arms again.
My heart and condolences go out to the Ruckle family. What a beautiful love story your parents had. Now together in eternity.
You were a great example to me Uncle Tom!! I always looked up to you and was lucky enough to call you Uncle!
Papa you were loved by so many and could light up any room! I will be forever grateful for the many memories we made together, and I will use those to pass on your legacy. Thank you for always being there for us growing up, you never missed a game and thank you for telling me all of your fishing stories over and over again. I would do anything to hear that passion in your voice one more time. I know you are so happy to be with Nana again even though we miss you here. I love you so much! Give Nana a kiss for me.
Tom was a sweetie pie always kind and a real gentleman . Happy he will be reunited with the love of his life Connie RIP sweet soul ???
Tom may you Rest In Peace now and be alongside Connie forever. We worked alongside one another on the Laura Z those memories I will cherish and hold onto. See you one day once again.
Sending all our love, prayers and sincerest condolences to our entire Ruckle family❤️?? We love you all so much, will always cherish our memories of you Uncle Tom, and glad you are with your beloved bride again in eternity, until we see you again❤️??Rest in Paradise❤️Love you both always❤️???
My deepest condolences to the Ruckle family, and to all those that clearly loved Tom. What a beautiful way to be reunited with your bride, happy heavenly anniversary ❤️
John and I are heartbroken to hear of Tom’s passing, Connie and Tom will always have a special place In our hearts and memories, they were both such an amazing couple, and It’s comforting to k ow that they are together again. Our condolences to the Ruckle family and may memories of happier times bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Dear beloved Ruckle family, I am truly saddened by reading this post, yet know Tom Sr., Connie, Tom, Bill, Mike, Ronnie are truly a legendary Point Loma iconic family. May the Lord comfort each of the hearts of the entire family. Time is the great healer. I love each one of you. Eccl.7:1.
Alan Beneventi
My condolences to the Ruckle Family Tom was a great chief and shipmate had the absolute pleasure of working with him and jr aboard the Antonine C for 8 plus years may he Rest In Peace
We are all heartbroken to lose Uncle Tom but know without any doubt it was his will to be with his bride of 58 years. He had a plan down to the very end. I’m am so grateful for all He and Aunt Connie did for me and my family. I loved them like parents and they treated me like a daughter . We will miss you forever.
Tommy was such a sweetheart, He will be greatly missed by us all .We have you all in our prayers?? During this tough time. It is beautiful to think this couple is together again in Heaven dancing . They were so sweet in love.