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LINDA LEE RUFFOLO

About

Illinois State University University of Wisconsin

FUNERAL HOME

D. O. McComb and Sons - Lakeside Park

1140 Lake Ave

Fort Wayne, Indiana

LINDA RUFFOLO Obituary

LINDA LEE (PARISI) RUFFOLO, 73, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at her home. Born in Chicago Heights, Ill., Linda received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1963, and her Masters from the Illinois State University in 1966. She and her late husband, Joseph D. Ruffolo moved to Fort Wayne in 1973 when he started his career at North American Van Lines. They quickly "bloomed where they were planted" and made Fort Wayne home. She began her career as a Speech Pathologist, but joined IPFW in November of 1995 as Director of Development and was the Executive Director of Development until her retirement in June of 2014. Linda was an amazing advocate for the City of Fort Wayne, a tireless volunteer and a caring friend to many. Her extensive list of achievements and volunteer roles included - Arts United, The Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Study Connection, Forte Festival, The Fort Wayne Ballet, and Fort Wayne Youtheatre. Linda will be remembered for her thoughtful care packages and cards, her wonderful "12th night" parties and her giving nature. Surviving are her daughter, Julie Kathleen (Brian G.) Ruffolo Gilpin of Whitefish Bay, Wis.; son, Joseph D. Ruffolo II of New York, N.Y.; her "pride and joy," her two grandsons, Jack William and Luke Thomas Gilpin; brother, Patrick (Sherry) Parisi of Pittsburgh, Pa.; sister, Monica Ann (Walt) Carpenter of Louisville, Ky.; sisters-in-law, Sharon Parisi of Dallas, Texas and Doyne Parisi of Kansas City; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, Joseph D. Ruffolo; parents, Dr. Patrick and Monica Parisi; and brothers, William Edward Parisi and Thomas Cye Parisi. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 13, 2015, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2015, at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., with rosary at 4:30 p.m. Burial in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to the "Linda Ruffolo's Retirement Gift" Scholarship at IPFW c/o the IPFW Foundation, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.domccombandsons.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Mar. 11, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for LINDA RUFFOLO

14 Entries

Ruth and Michael Wartell

March 6, 2019

Although Time has passed, the imprint that Linda had on the Fort Wayne community and her family has not. Thinking of you all, Joe, Julie and family!
In Jewish tradition, when a family member dies, on the anniversary of their death in the family members light a candle , called a yahrzeit candle . Its a way to remember your loved one. The nice tradition of it is that if the family is not together this is something that they can share and do together from a distance in memory of their loved ones. I hope this might be something that is comforting to you all.

Michael/Jeanne Mirro

March 12, 2015

Such a Loss to our community.

Linda was tireless in her efforts to improve our community.

A true inspiration to all.

Max & Maggie Yen

March 12, 2015

Linda was a true ambassador of IPFW. Her goodwill and dedication to the community are known to many in Fort Wayne and beyond. She had earned respect and love from those who associated with her. We were shocked and saddened by Linda's death. RIP in peace Linda!

Scot Malone

March 11, 2015

Joe and Family - My deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. She was an amazing lady. May your memories give you comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rita Clark

March 11, 2015

So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your mom. She was a good lady. I know she will be missed. Take care and know my prayers are with you.

Frank & Cindy Byrne

March 11, 2015

Joe II, Julie, Brian, and all of Linda's family and friends, we were deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Linda has been a role model, mentor, and best of all, friend to us for over 30 years. Her frenetic, eclectic 12th Night parties, where she did ALL the cooking, and Joe held court in the basement, are among our fondest memories of our time in Ft. Wayne. She will remain deeply loved, but will be greatly missed. Her memory will live on in the good work of the many she inspired over the years. Please except our condolences, prayers and love.

Kristin, Mike and Parker Cunningham

March 11, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Knowing her wonderful grandsons, her legacy will shine bright in both Luke & Jack. Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother, grandmother, friend and volunteer.

Michael and Ruthie Wartell

March 11, 2015

Dear Julie and Joe and families,
What an example of kindness and giving you have in your mother. She gave and gave from her heart with not a thought of personal reward for herself! The joy she found in her work with IPFW and the FW community is second to none! And she talked constantly of you both and how proud she was of you and the love she had for your boys, Julie! We know how the health events of the last 6 months wore on her spirit; but she tried to continue to make others smile with her Christmas letter ad picture of all of you and her cards....oh, so many thoughtful cards.
One story. when Justin, 33 now, went off to college at Tulane, his first experience that far from home, Halloween came around and Linda sent him not a card, but a box!!! Candy, snacks and goodies! He was delighted! And I told him that he had his goodies and not to expect me to do the same! LOL!
We loved your mother very much and she will be sorely missed
Micahel and Ruthie Wartell

Nancy Cook

March 11, 2015

I am so shocked and saddened by the news of Linda's death. We were "Newcomers" to FW in 1973, and the friendship we forged while serving on the Newcomer's Board has lasted for the past 40 years. She was a uniquely gifted person, and I will miss her.

Scott Tarr

March 11, 2015

Such a nice woman. From the day I started working as a part-time guard at the FWMoA, she treated me with respect and made a point to know my name. Not everyone does that. She was one-of-a-kind and will be missed.

Leslie Hormann

March 11, 2015

LINDA WAS ALWAYS ONE OF MY GREATEST CHAMPIONS! WHAT AN INSPIRING, TIRELESS COMMUNITY SERVANT. SHE SINGLE-HAND-IDLY GOT MY FATHER TO DONATE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO IPFW! SHE LED THE TEAM THAT SAVED THE FORT WAYNE YOUTHEATRE! SHE WAS AN INCREDIBLE WOMAN, THE QUINTESSENTIAL HOST, A TRUE MENTOR! A GREAT FRIEND.

Lisa Porter

March 11, 2015

I had the pleasure of working for Linda at IPFW and learning so much from her. She always joked that I was the only person who has ever been able to read her handwriting! She was the most kind, generous and thoughtful woman.
My condolences to your family.

Joanie Pauwels

March 11, 2015

Linda was a "one of a kind' lady. She made such a difference in everything she did to make Ft. Wayne a better place. She was a true friend to so many and will be greatly missed but will live in our memories forever.

norma Neuhouser

March 11, 2015

Dear Family of Joe and Linda - this totally shocked me!! I had just received a card from her at Valentines Day and the family paper from Christmas - God bless you and be with all of you at this very sad time. Loved that lady and Linda I will miss you RIP

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