Donald Joseph Ruberg

Donald "Don" Joseph Ruberg, 71, of Edgewood, Kentucky, also affectionately known as Donnie, Daddio, Grandpa or Pa, was born on October 17, 1953, in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, Kentucky, surrounded by his loving family.

An alumnus of Covington Latin high school, Don continued his educational journey by majoring in Political Science at Xavier University. He was among the youngest Xavier University students at the ripe age of fifteen, famously requiring a ride from his mother to get to college because he had not yet gained his drivers license. He ultimately earned his law degree at the University of Kentucky, where his earnest love for the Kentucky Wildcats was born.

Don dedicated an impressive 51 years to his esteemed career as an attorney, specializing in educational law at O'Hara, Ruberg, Taylor, Sloan & Sergent Law Firm in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. His passion was rooted in safeguarding educational systems for children, through which he had the honor of representing numerous school districts across the state. His expertise and sage guidance was a stable figure in the school board room for decades. In addition to this, he was a dedicated member of the Prichard Committee, working to enhance public education for all Kentuckians, epitomizing his lifelong commitment to service. 

Following in his parents foosteps, he was deeply involved in his church community and regularly volunteered, serving on the St. Pius X Parish Council and working with new couples alongside his wife through the Engaged Encounter program. He also routinely dedicated his time to maintaining upkeep at the Zalla house and being a master dishwasher at Mary Rose Mission. 

Anyone who knew Don knew that family was at the cornerstone of his life, to whom he dedicated everything to. He is survived by his devoted and beautiful wife of 43 years, Mary Ruberg; sons, Mathew and Marcus (Alecia Fields), daughters Megan and Melinda (Marc-André Maillet), and grandchildren Colson, Aiden, Amélie, Ève-Marie, Beckett, and a baby boy due in May. He also leaves behind his cherished siblings: Bob Jr., Jim (Jeanne), Michael (Ginny) , Sheryl (Jim) Epping, Kim (Brian) Bessler, Tom (Mary), Mary Lynn (Scott) Draubt, and Doug (Shelly), along with many nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents Robert, Sr. and Irene Ruberg.

Those who knew Don will remember him as a kind and welcoming person, always ready to offer a helping hand, a warm smile and of course his classic back scratch. He found joy in spending time with his parents and family, playing racquetball and golf, and had a penchant for finding a good deal and savoring a rare hamburger. Retirement came easy to Don - lolligagging, Costco trips and travel effortlessly replaced his time at the office, finally allowing him to embrace his laid-back style and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

All who knew him will deeply miss Don, but his legacy will live on forever (as well as his Facebook jokes and memes).

A visitation will be held Monday, March 10, 2025 from 4:00 PM to the hour of Christian Burial at 6:00 PM all at St. Pius X Church, 348 Dudley Road, Edgewood, KY. Don's life will be celebrated in Milligan Hall at St. Pius immediately following the mass.

Internment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky on Friday, March 14, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Mary Rose Mission, HONK, ChooseWell Communities, and the Prichard Committee.