It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of our firm’s founding partners, Richard R. Rulon.
Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Rich remember him as a wonderful lawyer, a good friend and a person with a terrific sense of humor who enjoyed life to its fullest. We benefitted immensely from his wisdom and compassion over our years together, first at Dechert Price and Rhoads, and later as we founded Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer (now Klasko Immigration Law Partners). He retired at the end of 2009.
Rich gave years of service to AILA, including as Philadelphia Chapter Chair (1997-98) and on several national committees. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the American Immigration Council (then AILF), including as its President from 1998 to 2004. He was the recipient of AILF’s 2005 Honorary Fellow Award for his lifelong service to the field of immigration and nationality law.
Rich was active in immigration reform legislative efforts, including the effort to prevent restrictions on legal immigration in 1996, and the efforts to obtain comprehensive immigration reform in 2006. At AILA’s Sixtieth Anniversary celebration, he was honored as one of ten Significant Contributors to AILA.
Outside of AILA, Rich served as a member of Upper Dublin Board of Township Commissioners for sixteen years, including six years as President, and he was an avid father and grandfather, skier, squash and tennis player, and deep-sea fisherman.
We will greatly miss Rich, but we will be comforted by knowing that he lived a wonderful life, enjoyed his retirement and left us with indelible memories.
Rich is survived by his wife (and high school sweetheart) Nancy, their five daughters (Melissa, Stefanie, Jennifer, Samantha, and Amanda), their husbands, and 11 grandchildren. The family is going to have a private memorial for Rich; and they request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Variety Club Camp, 2950 Potshop Road, Worcester, PA 19490.
