Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
RUANE CAPTAIN SEAN MICHAEL Age 31, a highly decorated combat veteran, from Kennedy Township, gave full measure of devotion in service to his country on Jan. 7, 2014, while instructing the next group of U.S. Air Force Helicopter Aircrew about how to conduct the mission he loved with such passion, the mission of Combat Search and Rescue, and ultimately demonstrating the Air Force Rescue motto..."these things we do, so that others may live." He was born on October 11, 1982, in Pittsburgh. He was the beloved husband of Rachel (Roderer) Ruane; cherished son of Michael and Marcia (Boronsky) Ruane; proud father of Liam; loving brother of Caitlin; maternal grandmother, Dolores Boronsky; also loved by many extended relatives along with devoted friends. Sean graduated in 2000 from Montour High School and in 2005 from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, studying International Relations and Research Meteorology. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force active duty and began undergraduate pilot training. Sean first mastered the UH-1H Huey helicopter, earning his pilot wings in 2007, and officially became a U.S. Air Force Pilot. Enrolling in the 512th Rescue Squadron's HH-60G training class, he learned the HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter and tactics that would enable him to save lives in combat as part of the 41st Rescue Squadron. He was deployed four times to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, he quickly advanced to Aircraft Commander and then on to HH-60G Flight Lead. He was then selected to become an HH-60G Instructor Pilot, and teach others the mission of Combat Rescue. Joining the 56th Rescue Squadron in England, he further advanced as an Evaluator Pilot, and was subsequently selected as the squadron's Chief of Standardization and Evaluation section, ensuring the aircrew within the squadron upheld the highest professional and aviation standards. He was again deployed to Afghanistan in summer of 2013 as the Flight Lead of a formation of two Pavehawk helicopters and 14 aircrew. He led his formation in combat while deployed and in training while at home, all the while working on a master's degree in American History. His potential was recognized with his new promotion to Operations Group Executive Officer. Sean's major awards and decorations include: 17 Air Medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, two Meritorious Unit Awards, four Outstanding Unit Awards with a Valor device, five Expeditionary Service Ribbons with Gold Border, two Iraq Campaign Medals, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, and the Small Arms Expert (Rifle) Ribbon. Due to snow storm along the east coast, visitation Thursday 2-4 p.m. has been cancelled. Visitation will be Thursday 7-9 p.m. and Friday 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. at COPELAND'S MOON TOWNSHIP, 981 Brodhead Rd. (shuttle services will be provided). Procession will leave the funeral home at 9:45 a.m. for service on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 244 Duff Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143. Dr. John Guest, celebrant. Burial will be private in Resurrection Cemetery with full military honors. Family suggests donations in Sean's name be made to the That Other's May Live Foundation, www. thatothersmaylive.org. Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
