Obituary: Ruth S. Gluck

Ruth S. Gluck, of Longboat Key, and New York City, died April 16. She was 97.

Mrs. Gluck was born in Philadelphia to Walter and Anna Simon, who after her husband’s death married Dr. Richard Francis Taylor. Mrs. Gluck was strongly influenced by her beloved stepfather, who had a general practice in medicine in Philadelphia until his death at the end of age 82. After graduating from college in 1937, she married W. Howard Gluck and in 1960 they moved to New York City. Following the death of her husband in 1986, Mrs. Gluck began spending winters on Longboat Key.

From an early age, Mrs. Gluck was immersed in theater, symphony and ballet. She became a theater critic while in college. After her marriage, she regularly attended plays, concerts and dance performances in New York City and was a patron of the performing arts in Sarasota, as well. She had a particular love for Florida Studio Theatre, co-producing cutting-edge productions there for many years. She also read and critiqued plays, generally being involved in all aspects of the theater. Mrs. Gluck was a true friend of Florida Studio Theatre and the actors in her plays.

Mrs. Gluck is preceded in death by her husband, Howard, and brother, Robert Taylor. She is survived by her daughter, Carol G. Rickard; son, Peter; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and a niece.

Memorial donations may be made to Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, Fla., 34236.