Often called “Mr. White Plains” by those who knew him well, Robert Ruger passed away on the evening of Jan. 7. He was 97 years old.

Mr. Ruger died in the same house in which he was born in the White Plains Highlands neighborhood. He spent most of his life serving the people of his community. He was a member of the Common Council for 12 years, from 1976 to 1988. He served as chairman of the Traffic Commission from 1983 to 2009.

Mayor Adam Bradley, in a release to the press, said “White Plains is a much better city today because of Robert Ruger’s unwavering commitment to community service. He embodied a spirit of civic mindedness and volunteerism that most of us can only try to emulate.

Bradley ordered the flags at all municipal buildings be flown at half mast throughout the City through Jan. 16, in memoriam.