Joseph Thomas Ruelius

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of JosephThomas Ruelius (Joe) on October 2, 2025. Son of the late Thomas and Eiko Ruelius, husband to his late wife Fumiko. Joe is survived by his sister Margaret DiMemmo and husband James. Niece Katherine DiMemmo, Niece Lauren Richards and husband Kyle, their children Wyatt and Nora.
Born in Princeton on November 18,1952, Joe was a resident of Pennington NJ for 30 years, attending Hopewell Valley Schools. After graduating from high school Joe attended Quinnipiac University in Hamden CT earning his BA degree, He stayed in CT for s short time and then returned to Pennington NJ to pursue his Master of Education at the College of NJ. With no prospects in the U.S. for a teaching position, Joe secured a teaching position in 1984 at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka Japan. Joe would later meet his beloved wife Fumiko who he married on February 19, 1991.They settled in Osaka Japan until both their passing.
Joe dedicated his life to teaching English to Japanese students at the Kansai Gaidai University until he retired in 2018.
Joe had a passion for music since he was very young. He played the guitar, piano, tuba (high school band). When he was in high school he formed a band with his friends and they would take turns practicing in family basements. It was always great fun to listen to them. Joe still pursued his music in Japan, writing lyrics to a friends music and playing one of his many guitars. He had many interests...travel, reading, indie films sports and a love of history.
Joe had a great love for his family, returning every year during his semester breaks so he could be with us for longer periods of time. Gatherings with family and friends became an annual event that we all looked forward to sharing. Goodbyes were tough, but next year would roll around and he would be with us again.
Joe will always be remembered as a person of strong character, he made the world a better place. He had a quiet demeanor that could be underestimated until you met his wit. He was always in touch and concerned with world affairs, reading the newspaper daily and watching World news. Joe was and is a patriot in the true sense of the word. We will all miss the light he brought to this world. I love you, my dearest brother.

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