Dr. Maurice Rucker – 79 – of Maple St., Hornell, formerly of Alfred, died Wednesday (September 29, 2010) at McAuley Manor.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on April 7, 1931, he was the son of Joseph & Julia (Marks) Rucker.

Maurice was a graduate of S.J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Brooklyn College.  He enrolled in New York University where he earned his Master’s Degree and earned his PhD in Economics from Columbia University.

From 1953 – 1955, he served his country as Private First Class in the US Army Medical Corps, serving in Europe and receiving the Good Conduct Award.

Dr. Rucker taught business and economics at New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, NJ as an Associate Professor.  He later served as an administrator at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY.  He received a fellowship in Business from Newark College of Engineering and also received an award as Outstanding Educator of America in 1972.  Maurice moved to Alfred in 1984 where he served as Professor and Dean of the Business School at SUNY Alfred.  He retired in 1995.

He was active in community service serving as Co-founder and President Emeritus of the Sugar Hill Development Corporation of Alfred.  Dr. Rucker was also a member of the Wee Playhouse and the Alfred Lions Club.

Maurice enjoyed his garden and eating ice cream every night with his 90-pound German shepherd, Lady.  He was also and avid runner.

Maurice was childhood friends since the age of eleven with Theresa “Terry” Rubbo – Dori.  They were married many years later in Westchester County.  Together they respected and observed the Holy Days of the Jewish and Catholic faiths.  Per aspera ad astra:  through troubles to the stars.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Mort and Buddy; his in-laws, Margaret & Michael Rubbo; his stepson, Stephen Dori, and his sister-in-law, Helen Trent.

Maurice is survived by his adoring wife, Theresa Rucker; his sons, Steve (Susan) Rucker, Terence (Debbie) Rucker and Joseph (Jane Boyd) Rucker; his step-children, Nadine Bernadette (Paul) Sorrentino, Yvonne (Rudy) Kulisek and Patricia Ann (Steve) Suriano; his brother, Lawrence (Helen) Rucker; sisters-in-law, Mary (Frank) Dori, Ann (Jim) Kelly), Richard Trent and Elsy Rucker; 9 grandchildren as well as several nieces & nephews.

The family of Dr. Maurice Rucker will receive friends on Friday from 2:00 PM – 4:00  PM  &  7:00 PM – 9 :00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 12:00 NOON with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s  Cemetery.

Maurice’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.