Ruddy, Dr. Lanna L. Geneseo, N.Y.

Dr. Lanna L. Ruddy

GENESEO, N.Y. – Dr. Lanna L. Ruddy, 78, of Geneseo, New York, a native of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Oct. 18, 2025.

She was predeceased by her parents, Virginia (Myers) Ruddy and William Ruddy, Jr., of St. Joseph; and her brother, William Ruddy III of Breunigsweiler, Germany.

Growing up in St. Joseph, Dr. Ruddy attended Hall kindergarten, St. Francis grade school, Bliss junior high, and Central high school (class of 1965), and earned her PhD from the University of Missouri (Kansas City). After two years’ employment at St. Mary’s College and Notre Dame, Dr. Ruddy became a member of the State University of New York at Geneseo psychology department in 1976 and retired in 2018.

Dr. Ruddy’s primary interest and research was in animal behavior, and in 1969, she was the first to successfully breed freshwater Texas cichlids fish in captivity. In 1972, she discovered necromones (chemicals emitted by dead organisms that cause other species to flee) in many freshwater and saltwater fish, including the great white shark. During her lengthy research and teaching career, Dr. Ruddy worked with many varieties of rodents, invertebrates, arachnids, amphibians, and fish, sharing her findings in nationally-published journals and in the classroom.

There will be no calling hours or service. Donations in Lanna Ruddy’s memory can be made to New Start Kitty Rescue, 6342 Denton Corners Rd., Castile, NY, 14427 or to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, 8317 Duckworth Rd., San Angelo, TX, 76905. Arrangements are being completed by Robinson and Hackemer Funeral Home in Warsaw, NY. Online condolences at www.robinsonandhackemer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.