Christopher Ruane

Christopher Michael Ruane, 55, of Canonsburg, passed away unexpectedly on September 1st, 2026. He was the loving husband of Barbara Ann Ruane. Together, they shared 30 years of marriage.

Born and raised in Roaring Brook Township, Chris was the son of the late Thomas F. Ruane and Pauline A. Ruane. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he met the love of his life, Barb. They moved to Canonsburg, where they raised their three children, Maleia, Maddie, and Braeden, along with their three dogs, Cali, Luna, and River.

Chris worked at PNC Bank for 12 years, most recently as a Senior Software Engineering Manager and Vice President. Before joining PNC, Chris built a lengthy career in technology and software development, holding positions with the U.S. Department of Energy/OST Global, MedExpress, West Penn Allegheny Health System, CapitalBase, Celerity Innovation Center, and Eaton Corporation.

Chris was the epitome of a family man. His wife and children were his pride and joy, and he made sure they knew it. He was there for every sporting event, graduation, drift event, and milestone he could be. If someone needed help, Chris was there, no questions asked. If there was a problem to solve, Chris was the guy you called. He maintained a close bond with his three siblings and helped care for his father and mother in their final years.

Chris loved bringing people together. He enjoyed hosting holidays and cooking for family and friends, and there was always a place at his table for someone else.

Chris's faith was an important part of who he was and how he lived his life. He faithfully attended Mass each Sunday and made sure his children were raised in the Catholic faith. As an active member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Parish, he participated in the Catholic Men's Club and volunteered at the fish fry every Friday during Lent and at the Canonsburg Fourth of July Parade. On Saturday mornings, he joined other parishioners for breakfast and discussions about the Bible readings for the following Sunday.

Chris also served as a Eucharistic minister to the homebound, bringing Communion to those unable to attend Mass. He treasured those visits and would often spend hours talking with the people he served. Through his faith, he found not only a deeper relationship with God, but a community of people who became an important part of his life.

Music was another great love of Chris's life. He played guitar and, for a time, performed with a local band. He was always ready to pick up his guitar and play for family and friends. A lifelong fan of the Grateful Dead, Chris later became an enthusiastic fan of Dead & Company, traveling twice to Las Vegas to see them perform at the Sphere. Those experiences deepened his appreciation for John Mayer, whose music Chris enjoyed teaching himself to play guitar. He also loved bluegrass and traveled to Colorado for a bluegrass festival.

Chris also found happiness outdoors. He loved hiking and camping, often roughing it with his son and at least one of their dogs by his side. He enjoyed hiking through the Allegheny National Forest and the Laurel Highlands. He completed two UltraTrek hikes, one at Bear Creek Mountain, Pennsylvania, and the other at Lake Rickabear, New Jersey. His ideal long-weekend getaway was a trip to the mountains, where he could pitch a tent, unplug from everyday life, and enjoy the peace and solitude of nature.

Above all, Chris will be remembered for the way he showed up for the people in his life, with love, loyalty, generosity, and an unwavering willingness to help. Whether for his family, his friends, his church, or someone simply in need, Chris could always be counted on.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Burkett-Ruane; his three children, Maleia A. Ruane and her partner, Kyle E. Lutz, Maddie R. Ruane and her partner, Ilias Christodoulou, and Braeden T. Ruane; his three siblings, Thomas J. Ruane and his wife, Nadine, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, Kelly A. Leisman and her husband, Edward, of Fort Myers, Florida, and Trish Iellimo and her husband, Santino, of Oakmont, Pennsylvania; his 10 nieces and nephews, Sarah, Tommy, Taylor, and Patrick Ruane, Riley Kempton and her husband, Sean, Ben Velesig and his wife, Jozzie, Alex Velesig and his wife, Cheyenne, Zoey Velesig, Noah Burkett, and Josiah Burkett and his partner, Gabby Ciccone-DeLuca; and his four great-nieces and great-nephews, Marina and Chloe Kempton, Jordan Ruane, and Flynn Velesig.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas F. Ruane; his mother, Pauline A. Ruane; his nephew, Joshua P. Leisman; and his beloved beagle, Cali.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to prostate cancer research at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Please make checks payable to the University of Pittsburgh with a memo indicating that this donation is in memory of Christopher Ruane. Donations may be mailed to UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

Family and friends are welcome from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Friday, September 4th, at Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg. Departing prayers will be recited on Saturday, September 5th at 9:40am and the Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Saturday, September 5th at 10:00am. Burial will be private to the family.