A legendary Irish pub owner in Philadelphia has died. Emmett Ruane, the "devout family man" who ran Emmett's Place on Levick Street from 1971 to 2008, a music hotspot and hub for the Irish community , passed away on May 3.
Emmett’s Place was a Philly staple and was where some of the most well-known Irish bands in the city made their start. The tavern was also the go-to place for people to learn, practice, and show of their Irish folk dancing skills .
The 86-year-old, whose parents were from Co Mayo , is survived by his children, Michael, Colleen, Kathleen, Hugh, and John, three grandchildren, and extended family. He was also beloved husband to the late Eleanor Clancy Ruane.
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Emmett was diagnosed with dementia before his death. Michael, Emmett's son, told IrishStar.com: "We’re all very sad that dad is gone but relieved that he’s no longer struggling with his body. He was loved and we will miss him."
Born and raised in Philadelphia , Emmett attended St Martin of Tours Grade School and Northeast Catholic High School. He enlisted in the US Army right out of high school and spent most of his service time stationed in Japan.
After he was discharged, he followed in the footsteps of his pub-owning father, Hugh. He first worked for his father, handling the vending-machine accounts and then assisting in the day-to-day running of the taverns themselves.
He later managed the Hampton Hotel in downtown Philadelphia while it was owned by his father. Emmett married Jane in 1963 and lived for a while in the Hampton Hotel with their growing family before starting a new adventure.
They moved to Oxford Circle and started Emmett's Place . A music lover, Emmett spent many afternoons with friends enjoying live music by bands he went on to showcase in Emmett's Place every Sunday from 11am-1pm.
He was also a huge family man . Michael went on: "He raised three sons and two daughters, but with the number of nephews and nieces often found in attendance at the home, he was sometimes unsure if he had five kids or 20!
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"He looked forward to large family gatherings. An added benefit to owning a tavern was having a place for such gatherings and many a birthday or graduation celebration were held there.
"Another plus was having his family drop in any time to share a libation . His three grandchildren Jack, Ryan and Ali were the light of his life. Pop-pop loved spending time with them whenever he could. In retirement , his favorite pastimes were playing golf , visiting his sisters in Ventnor, and continuing to spend time with his family."
Emmett also launched Annual Weekend Tours of Ireland which offered a chance to connect with family still living in Ireland. In 2014, he was honored by Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame for his efforts to promote Irish culture .
Relatives and friends are invited to Emmett’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, May 7 from 6-9pm and Wednesday, May 8 from 9.30-11am at John F. Givnish Funeral Home on Academy Road followed by his funeral service at 11am.
Interment will be at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery. Instead of flowers, donations may be made in Emmett's memory to Alzheimer's Association by clicking here .
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