Richard Hruby

Richard Hruby of Columbus, NJ, formerly of Mount Holly, died Friday, May 25, 2012 at his second home in Middletown Springs, VT. He was 89. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Mr. Hruby was a graduate of Johnathan Dayton Springfield Regional High School, attended Union Jr. College and Philadelphia College of Textile and Science. He was one of the youngest boys to ever earn the Eagle Scout Award. Mr. Hruby was a US Army Air Corps Veteran of WW II where he served as a 1st Lieutenant and member of the 44th Bomber Group. He was pilot of the B24 Liberator “Sabrina III.” Mr. Hruby flew 32 missions during WW II and notably ditched his plane in the English Channel and his entire crew survived. For his service his was awarded the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross with One Oak Leaf Cluster, among other awards. After his time in the service, Mr. Hruby worked for Northampton Textile from 1945 until it closed. He was active in many local organizations; he was a member of the Board of the YMCA, a charter member of Westwood Swim Club. He was a member of the Burlington Country Club, where he was currently the oldest member and the longest continuous member. He was Past-President of the Country Club and known as “the finest putter at the club.” At one time he was on the board of the YMCA, a member of the Board of the Burlington County Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and was active with the United Way. Mr. Hruby also loved spending time in Vermont with his late wife Betty. In addition to his wife, Mr. Hruby was preceded in death by his brother Edward. He is survived by 5 children: daughter Marie Frake and her husband Jack of Brooklin, Maine, son Richard A. Hruby and his wife Eileen of Toms River, daughter Christine D.K. Hruby and her partner Dr. Angela C. Darling of Catlett, VA, son Stephen E. Hruby of Hainesport, and daughter Elizabeth Mills and her husband Tracy of Salt Lake City, UT; 7 grandchildren: Carin, Bridget, Tyler, Kinsey, Hollis, Stephen, and Emma; and 5 great-grandchildren: Olivia, Isabella, Cole, Clara, and Elise. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 12 Noon at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 121 High St., Mount Holly. Friends may call on Wednesday from 11 – 12 noon at the Church. Interment will be private.In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Hruby’s memory may be made to the United Way of Burlington County, PO Box 226, Rancocas, NJ 08073.

Richard Hruby

August 26, 1922 - May 25, 2012