Doris and Paul Rugen at the start of their journey, one that would lead to a loving 53-year long marriage. Woodhaven lost a good man this week when Paul passed away after a long illness.
Woodhaven lost a truly remarkable man this week with the passing of Paul Rugen after a year-long illness. Many of you who read this column likely already know this, and many of you knew Paul personally.
Paul was a quiet individual on the surface, but once you got to know him, you’d find he was warm, kind, and had a great sense of humor. He was also straightforward and no-nonsense—a quality that made perfect sense once you learned he had been a police officer.
If you didn’t know Paul, you likely know his lovely wife, Doris, one of the genuinely kind-hearted people in our community. Doris is the type of person who remembers birthdays, anniversaries, and sends get-well cards with her thoughtful touch. Her combination of organization and thoughtfulness is rare and appreciated by all who know her.
Even if you didn’t know Paul or Doris personally, you probably know at least one of their children or grandchildren, as the Rugen family has deep roots in Woodhaven. Paul and Doris have three children—Susan, John, and Paul Jr.—seven grandchildren—Ashley, Amber, Brian, Brandon, Brianna, Brett, and Caiden—and two great-grandchildren, Kaine and Sammy, with another one on the way this April.
Services for Paul will take place on Thursday and Friday at Woodhaven’s last remaining funeral home, N.F. Walker of Queens Funeral Home, located at 87-34 80th Street. This 127-year-old business, managed by the Rudolph Family for over 50 years, has been in Woodhaven since 1912.
Many of us have paid tribute to loved ones at Walker’s Funeral Home, and we’ve all attended too many wakes and funerals there over the years. While we go to honor those who’ve passed, the main reason we attend is to offer support and comfort to those who are left behind.
Doris and Paul Rugen in recent years. We will be remembering Paul’s life with their 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren (with one on the way).
Paul and Doris were married for 53 years, and their love for one another was as strong in 2025 as it was on their wedding day. That love carried them through Paul’s illness over the past year. For a time, it seemed he was on the mend, and Doris was an extraordinary nurse, providing him with loving care.
Throughout that time, Doris was often asked the same question by friends and loved ones: “How’s Paul?” It was a question asked with good intentions, but sometimes the answer must have been difficult to give.
But now, Paul is fine. He is at peace. He’s in a better place, free from pain and discomfort. It’s not the result we wanted, but we take comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his loved ones who passed before him. Though we grieve his loss, we can take solace in the hope that we will all be reunited with our loved ones one day.
Until that time comes, we can find comfort in the good memories we’ve shared with those we love. Doris and Paul’s 53 years of love and joy provide a legacy of beautiful memories that will live on in their hearts.
This is a reminder for all of us to cherish the time we have with our loved ones right now. Take a moment today to appreciate the family and friends around you because, while the future is uncertain, we know that the day will come for us all.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Rugen family on your loss. Woodhaven has lost a great man, and many of us have lost a dear friend. You have lost a wonderful husband, a caring father, a loving grandfather, and a proud great-grandfather. We grieve with you and hope the love and support of your friends and family bring you comfort during this difficult time.
