Norman Ruderman
Niantic — Norman Ruderman passed away Feb. 17, 2021, one day before his 98th birthday. He was an architect and code consultant, recognized throughout New England as an expert on building codes and construction details.
As a student at DeWitt Clinton High School in New York City, his classes in drawing, painting and pottery were given by artists in the WPA program. He pursued these interests and received a B.F.A. from the New York College of Ceramics at Alfred University.
From 1943 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy Seabees, where he developed skills in drafting and a knowledge of building construction. This led to an interest in architecture. He went on to earn a master’s degree at Ohio State University. Norman became registered as an architect after independent study and courses at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Norman was a member of Connecticut Society of Architects /AIA and served on many professional committees and boards. He was a representative to the Connecticut State Building Code and Fire Safety Code Standards Committees. He was architect and member of the board of the Hartford Times Country Camp in
Coventry. He volunteered his many talents to civic and charitable organizations throughout Connecticut.
Retirement activities included serving as a docent for the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in
New London and on the Main Street Program in Niantic. He was certified as a Master Gardener by the UConn Cooperative Extension System and in its County Focus groups.
Norman was born in New York City Feb. 18, 1923, to Elia S. and Michael Ruderman. He married the late Mary Jane McAllister in 1947. They had two children. In 1984, he married Germaine C. Frank of Manchester. In addition to his beloved wife of 37 years, he will be greatly missed by his daughter Lee Coppack of London, England; son Joel Ruderman of Santa Barbara, Calif.; and four stepchildren: William Frank and wife Amy of Ipswich, Mass., Jon Frank, Robert Frank of Austin, Texas and Patricia Frank Sher and husband Alvin of Niantic. He was proud to be “Grandpa Norman” to six step-grandchildren: Christopher and Gregory Frank, Molly Frank Swanson and husband Jack, Coleen and Leah Frank and Samual Sher.
A memorial will be at the convenience of the family.