Francis Stephen Ruddy passed away on May 7, 2014. Born in Jackson Heights, Queens, Mr. Ruddy worked all over the world, particularly in Africa, where he was the US ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. He helped direct American aid efforts in Africa through his work in the State Department and USAID. He also worked as a university professor, writer, General Counsel for the Department of Energy, and editor, and he volunteered teaching English to recent immigrants. After overseeing the UN referendum in Western Sahara, he became a staunch advocate for the political and human rights of the Sahrawi people. and was proud to be one of their most outspoken advocates on the world stage. He attended Xavier High School, Holy Cross College, served in the USMC, and received his Ph.D. in International Law from Cambridge University. He is survived by his loving family, including children Neil, David, and Stephen, daughter-in-law Kara, and grandchildren Caitlin, Haley, and Landon