Stephen E. Ruth Sr. Remembered for Family, Business and Courage

A family man whose entrepreneurial vision served generations of military families and whose determination helped his son wage a successful campaign against Suffolk County’s red light cameras, Stephen E. Ruth Sr. passed away October 29, 2026, on his 82nd birthday, bringing his remarkable journey full circle.

Born in 1944, Ruth grew up in East Rockaway, attended St. Raymond’s School and Lynbrook High School, and continued his education at Adelphi University. He served six years in the Army National Guard, from 1965 to 1971, receiving an honorable discharge.

His professional career included 28 years as a financial planner with Prudential, but it was a business venture launched in 1978 that would establish a lasting connection between Ruth and the families of America's military veterans.

Recognizing an opportunity to serve visitors to the newly opened Calverton National Cemetery, Ruth joined his brother-in-law in establishing National Floral Design. The business became a familiar presence near the cemetery, providing floral arrangements and free delivery to the gravesites every day of the year.

For Ruth, the business was about more than selling flowers. It brought him into contact with thousands of families visiting loved ones laid to rest at Calverton, creating relationships that often extended well beyond the cemetery gates.

Among those connections was his friendship with Dan Murphy, father of fallen Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient Michael Murphy.

"He loved the veterans. He loved honoring the veterans," recalled Elizabeth, his wife of 56 years. She noted that the first flag flown at the florist belonged to her father, World War II veteran Lou Vacchiano, who was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in battle. “Shrapnel recovered from his body is on display at National Floral Design,” his grandson said.

Ruth's determination to stand up for others was also evident in his support of his son, Stephen E. Ruth Jr., who became widely known as the "Red Light Robin Hood" for his relentless campaign against Suffolk County's controversial red light camera program.

The younger Ruth's crusade began after a conversation with his parish priest about what he believed were unjust camera tickets. His investigation into yellow-light timing, traffic safety and the county's collection of millions of dollars in fines ultimately became a high-profile battle with government officials.

His father stood firmly beside him, attending Brookhaven Town Board and Suffolk County Legislature meetings, where he addressed elected officials and challenged the camera program.

According to his son, the elder Ruth understood that taking on government officials could have serious consequences for their family's business interests.

"He said to me in the very beginning, 'This is gonna cost us a lot of money in business,'" Stephen Jr. recalled. His father wanted him to understand the potential financial consequences, but supported him nonetheless.

Together, father and son pressed their case against the cameras, arguing that shortened yellow-light intervals endangered motorists and that the program was designed more to generate revenue than improve safety.

Their efforts were ultimately rewarded when Suffolk County's red light camera program was discontinued under County Executive Ed Romaine.

For the elder Ruth, supporting his son was simply another expression of his belief in standing up for what was right, regardless of the consequences.

Away from business and civic battles, Ruth was happiest surrounded by his family.

He and Elizabeth met while working at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Lynbrook. Their workplace romance blossomed into a marriage that lasted more than a half century.

Together, they raised three children and built a life filled with family gatherings, dinners, vacations and cruises.

Ruth particularly enjoyed living on Lake Panamoka in Ridge, where he could pursue his love of the water. An enthusiastic surfer and skier, he also had a special affection for animals, particularly his dogs.

"He loved having family around him and getting together for family dinners and vacations," Elizabeth recalled.

His devotion to family remained central throughout his life, whether enjoying a day on the lake, taking a family cruise or supporting his children in their pursuits.

In a poignant coincidence, his funeral Mass was arranged for St. Frances Cabrini Church, where the conversation between his son and a priest had helped launch the red light camera battle years earlier.

Stephen E. Ruth Sr. is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; his children, Stephen E. Ruth Jr., Christopher Ruth and Diana Ruth Casazza; and his grandchildren, Stephen E. Ruth III, Victor Casazza, Destiny Kull, Courtney Grace Pearsall, Saylee Ruth and Sampson Ruth.

He will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, with military honors recognizing his service in the Army National Guard.

For his family, Ruth leaves a legacy extending far beyond his successful business career or his willingness to challenge government officials. He will be remembered for his love of family, appreciation for those who served their country, and unwavering support for those closest to him.

His son, who continues to challenge traffic camera enforcement practices, carries forward the determination that his father demonstrated throughout his life.

And for the thousands of families who visited Calverton National Cemetery over nearly five decades, Ruth's legacy lives on through a business founded on a simple idea: helping people remember and honor those they loved.