Jonathan Roland Ruga

40 years old and resident of Pittsgrove, New Jersey, entered the presence of his Savior on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026.

In Loving Memory of Jonathan Roland Ruga

Jonathan was born on July 17, 1985, in the beautiful small town of Dorothy, New Jersey, to Roland and Mary Ruga. He was raised there alongside his six younger siblings in the family home. Jonathan graduated from Buena Regional High School in 2002. Through every season of his life, God remained faithful through every struggle, test and situation.

Jonathan's professional journey was marked by determination and entrepreneurial spirit. He worked in a variety of industries, including the 911 Call Center, First Love Unbroken, Inc., security camera installation, and Snap-on Tools. However, his greatest professional accomplishment came when he founded Meridian Solutions, LLC. Through countless hours, long days, and unwavering commitment, Jonathan built the company from the ground up and faithfully served as its Founder and CEO until the Lord called him home. He took great joy in his work, the relationships he built, and the opportunities he created for others.

Jonathan worked tirelessly driving trucks across the country, delivering trailers and building exceptional relationships with distributors and customers alike. He spent countless hours on the phone encouraging family and friends, offering wisdom, support, and prayer. He intentionally made time to visit and care for those he loved.

Above all else, Jonathan loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith inspired those around him to seek the Lord and search the Scriptures. He was never shy about sharing what God had done in his life. He regularly prayed with people, shared Scripture, offered counsel, and reminded others of God's faithfulness. Jonathan lit up every room he entered with his broad smile, confident spirit, and contagious laughter that could be heard from across the room.

Because of his compassionate heart and unwavering faith, many people turned to Jonathan for prayer, encouragement, and godly counsel. He was truly a prayer warrior who carried the burdens of others before the Lord.

Then Jonathan found his Queen, Phumeza Dasheka (Pumi), whom he affectionately called “Baby Girl.” He eagerly sought wisdom, mentorship, and biblical counsel to become the husband God called him to be. Their marriage was marked by a love that radiated the goodness and faithfulness of God and served as a testimony to all who knew them. Together they settled in Pittsgrove, New Jersey, where they built a life centered on faith, love, and commitment.

Jonathan and Phumeza were married on April 22, 2022. His incredible work ethic, perseverance, and sacrificial love moved mountains on behalf of his wife, family, and friends. During his years as founder and CEO of Meridian Solutions and throughout his marriage, Jonathan regularly encouraged and uplifted the men around him, offering prayer, biblical guidance, and support during difficult seasons. He challenged others to present themselves as living sacrifices unto the Lord and to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ.

Jonathan's absence leaves a tremendous void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. Yet we take comfort in knowing that because of his Salvation through Jesus Christ, this separation is only temporary. We look forward to the glorious day when we will see him again in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Jonathan was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Malcolm and Margaret Hallowell; his maternal uncle, Andrew Hallowell; and his paternal aunt, Rose Ruga.

Jonathan leaves behind his beloved wife, his loving wife, Phumeza Dasheka (Pumi), and stepson Luyema. his father, Roland, his mother, Mary, his siblings Jeremy, Joshua (Katelyn), Melita (Stephen) Duda, Abel (Kelly), Daniel, and Bethany (Nigel) Anderson as well as his nephew Landon and nieces Isabella, Zoey, and Rose.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 27th at the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland. Family and friends are invited to gather from 9:00 - 11:00 am, prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at Villa Fazzolari Ristorante, 821 Harding Hwy. Buena, NJ 08310

Condolences may be shared at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.