Peter Domanik Ruffalo

FRANKSVILLE - Peter Domanik Ruffalo, 65, passed away peacefully at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, surrounded by his family. Pete was born and raised in Racine. He attended Horlick High School before attending the Racine Technical Institute for two years of study in marketing. He then served in the United States Army, during which he spent two years in Germany as a Radio Operator. He went on to earn a degree in Social Sciences with a minor in Criminology from the University of Oshkosh, after which spent some time in Florida as a Parole and Probation Counselor for the Division of Youth Services, Naples, Fla. He then returned to Racine, where he owned several restaurants and taverns over the years (The Tender Trap, Canterbury Court, Jason's American Grill, Players Sports Bar, and Coconut Grove) before retiring and entering into real estate. In his retirement, Pete enjoyed golfing, playing guitar, watching movies, and playing with his dogs, Bailey and Sasha. But more than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his three children and loving wife. Pete is survived by his first wife and mother of his three children, Linda Ruffalo of Racine; his children, Jason Ruffalo of Fridley, Minn., Lisa Ruffalo (Kevin Cooper) of Franksville, and Bridget Ruffalo of Racine; his current wife, Liliya (nee: Samoila) Ruffalo; and his step-sons, Roman Samoila and Dzmitry Samoila. A Memorial service will be held at Infusino's Banquet Hall, 3201 Rapids Drive, Racine, on Monday November 7, 2011, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the American Cancer Society. His children would like to express their sincere appreciation to his wife, Liliya, for her tender care and complete loving devotion to Pete during both the good times and the difficult times. They would also like to thank the nursing staff at All Saints Medical Center for their compassionate care and Dave, his nurse and friend at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, for making the very best of a very trying time. We love you and are with you, husband, father, and friend.