Thomas Kermit Ruona

Thomas Kermit Ruona, 79, passed from this life to Eternal Life on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at his home in New Orleans, surrounded by loved ones. Thomas was generous, fair, and loved his family unconditionally. In addition, he was devoted to his Catholic faith and had a zeal for politics, volunteering, and pets.

Thomas was born on January 23, 1943, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to his beloved parents, Kermit Q. Ruona and Lucille Pekula Ruona. He attended St. Kevin Catholic School and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis.

He had an extremely fulfilling career in the shoe industry, which included numerous awards for salesmen of the year. After being National Sales Manager for US Shoes, he imported private label shoes. Then, he slowly migrated south, seeking warmer weather from Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, and Southwest Louisiana, eventually retiring to New Orleans.

In his later years, he enjoyed college baseball, LSU athletics, his dogs, friends, and family. He spent numerous hours volunteering for Catholic organizations. He raised money for the Desormeaux Foundation, served as an Eucharistic Minister at mass and at hospitals, and was a former Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He strived every day to live his Catholic faith through his acts and deeds.

He was passionate about local politics and knocked on numerous doors campaigning for candidates. He served as President of the Lafayette Concerned Citizens for Good Government.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, who he loved dearly, as well as his beloved grandson Theodore Thomas Ruona, sisters Barbara Trumble and Carol Ruona Carlson.

He is survived by his children, Thomas, Terrance, Julie, and their mother (his former wife and dear friend), Mary Morton Ruona. He is also survived by sister Elizabeth “Betty” McCarthy (Ken), his brother Kenneth Ruona and many nieces and nephews, whom he adored and spoke of often.

His integrity, humor and unconditional love will truly be missed. The family would like to thank all his wonderful caretakers and doctors, especially Patsy Parker, Dr. McQueen and A-MED Ambulance.

Services will be at Greenwood Funeral Home at 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Visitation is from 9 AM to 11 AM, followed by a mass at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church https://www.olr-nola.org/online-giving or ST. MARGUERITE D’YOUVILLE MATERNITY HOME HTTPS://DESORMEAUXFOUNDATION.ORG/DONATE/. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online, at www.greenwoodfh.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas Kermit Ruona, please visit our Tree Store.