Joseph Ruffo Jr., 84 died December 30, 2013 at St.Mary’s Manor in Lansdale PA. Son of the late Guissepe and Theresa Ruffo. Companion to the late Geraldine Schoppe. Brother to to the late Millie Farina, Agustus, James, and Gerald Ruffo. He is survived by Sisters Johanna Kramarsic of San Jose, California, Mary Long and Mae Jean Baker of the Lansdale area and Rose Marie Kawalec of Ocala Florida. He was Uncle to 7 nephews and 7 nieces.
Joe was a veteran and served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953. He was a member of the Fort Rucker Army Championship Baseball Team of 1952 and named one of the All Star players in the Alabama State Tournament.
He worked for over forty years as a tool and die maker at Tri Kris in Lansdale PA.
He graduated in 1947 from Lansdale High School where he was an outstanding athlete in Baseball and Basketball, being named to the All Bux-Mont teams in both sports in his Junior and Senior years. He played professional baseball for the Lansdale Hawks, the Lansdale Dukes and the Lansdale Tigers minor league teams. In his later years he was an avid and accomplished golfer winning many local tournaments. He was inducted into the Sons of Italy Hall of Fame as one of Lansdale’s outstanding athletes.
He was a devoted son and cared for his parents in their later years selflessly providing for their well being.
Joe was noted for his proficiency in every sport he undertook. Army comrade Jerry Lynch who gained fame playing for the Cincinnati Reds remarked that Joe had everything necessary to make the Major Leagues in Baseball. Because of his commitment to family he turned down several offers to a professional career.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday February 12th at 10 AM at St.Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446. Interment St. Stanislaus Old Cemetery
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to St. Mary’s Manor, 701 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale PA 19446 Attn: Accounting Department.