Binaco, Ruth A. Sonnichsen, Age: 88, Fair Haven

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Ruth A. Sonnichsen Binaco of Fair Haven, age 88, passed away April 24 at Bayside Manor Assisted Living in Keansburg.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Philip Binaco, in May 2017; her devoted sister, Grace Millstone; and her first grandson, David Daniel Binaco. She is survived by her three sons, Philip Andrew, David (and his wife Kristine) and Matthew. She is also survived by her grandsons, Raymond A. Binaco and Russell L. Binaco. In addition, Ruth is survived by her dear sister, Marjorie Woods, of Florida and her loving brother, Thomas Sonnichsen, of Virginia; her brother-in-law Raymond Binaco (Terri); her sister-in-law, Flora Deady (Russell); and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was born in New York City to Thomas and Emma Sonnichsen. She was raised on 63rd Street in Brooklyn and often worked in her father’s deli while growing up. Ruth attended P.S. 140, Bay Ridge and Fort Hamilton high schools and also East Aurora (New Yoek) High School while she worked for a short time as a live-in mother’s helper for her sister. Until 1943 her family enjoyed summering at their cottage on Rockaway Point.

Ruth graduated from the State University of New York at Oswego with a degree in elementary education. She taught 5th grade in Niagara Falls, then moved to New Shrewsbury (now Tinton Falls) with her parents when they retired. Ruth taught at Highland Manor Girls School in West Long Branch (on the site of what is now Monmouth University). In 1955 Ruth married her New Shrewsbury next-door-neighbor, Philip, and they settled in Fair Haven. Later Ruth worked as a substitute teacher in Fair Haven elementary schools and taught briefly at Navesink Elementary in Middletown.

Ruth was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Red Bank and a member of the Priscilla and Ruth Circles there. Ruth was a wonderful cook and for many years she roasted two or three additional Thanksgiving turkeys to serve at the church’s Thanksgiving meal for the needy. Ruth was also a member of the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary since 1973, serving as its president in 1983.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 150 River Road, Red Bank NJ 07701 or to the Fair Haven Fire Company Auxiliary, 645 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704.

At Ruth’s preference, services will be private. Ruth’s family extends their thanks to the care staff of Meridian at Shrewsbury and Bayside Manor for their devoted care of Ruth over the last three years.