Joseph Francis Ruby Jr., better known to everyone who loved him as “Pops,” passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 72, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Pops was a man of simple pleasures and strong opinions—most of which could be enjoyed outside, with a cigarette in one hand and a Pepsi in the other. If the sun was out, Pops was out. If there was a chair nearby, he was sitting in it. And if you dared to suggest water instead of Pepsi… well, you already know how that went.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Stephanie Ruby, and those who knew him find comfort in knowing he is now reunited with her, likely catching her up on everything she “missed” and resuming their conversations as if no time had passed at all.

He wasn’t one for formality or fuss. Pops showed love by showing up, by sitting with you, by listening (sometimes quietly, sometimes not), and by being exactly who he was—unapologetically. He believed life was meant to be lived honestly, laughed through when possible, and never taken too seriously.

He is lovingly survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Elvis Batey, with whom he lived and who cared for him in Highspire, PA; his sons Joseph Ruby III of Millersburg, PA, and Mike Johnston of Shippensburg, PA.

He leaves behind his grandchildren:

   •   Marissa Keller and her husband Dale (Pillow, PA)

  • Devon Hoffman and his wife Marcy (Cleveland, Ohio)

   • Joseph Ruby IV (Inverness, Florida

   •   Zoey McElligott and her husband Cullen (Claysville, PA)

   •   Morgan Johnston (Berrysburg, PA)

Pops was a proud great-grandfather to Serenity, Oceana, and Bentley, and he’ll be keeping a close eye from heaven for the arrival of his newest great-grandson, expected in March. 

His is also survived by his brother Edward Kulp & His wife Barbara ( Enola, Pa) and Nephew’s James & Chris. 

In true Pops fashion, he made one final, generous decision—donating his body to science, because even in death, he was still doing things his way. Cremation will follow.

A celebration of life will be held when the weather warms, because Pops wouldn’t dream of gathering people indoors if he didn’t have to. Friends and family will come together outdoors to enjoy his favorite foods and drinks, share stories, laugh loudly, and remember him exactly as he was—Pepsi-loving, cigarette-smoking, and deeply loved. Details will be shared when plans are finalized.

If there’s a porch in heaven, Pops has already claimed his chair, cracked open a Pepsi, lit a cigarette, and is finally back beside Steph, probably wondering why everyone else is taking so long.

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