Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Jul 3, 1942 – Feb 27, 2015 (Age 72)
Michael "Mick" "Mike" "Papa" Charles Ruffner, 72, of Punxsutawney, died just before midnight on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.
Mike was born July 3, 1942, in Punxsutawney, a son to the late Charles Arnold and Josephine Ann (Gianvito) Ruffner.
He was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Patricia Ann (Foradori) Ruffner.
Mike is a 1960 graduate of Saints Cosmas and Damian High School. After graduation, he began his railroad career as a brakeman for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad on the Pittsburgh Division. Upon returning home from serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, A Btry, 4th-92nd/SGT, he became a conductor on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and CSX Railroad. Mike worked diligently and became a representative for the United Transportation Union, helping many of his co-workers as well as other railroad employees negotiate the pains of economic injustice in times of turmoil.
Mike was a devoted member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for years. He was also a member of a number of organizations such as the American Legion, Rossiter; Rossiter Veterans Club; Fraternal Order of Eagles, Punxsutawney; Loyal Order of Moose, Punxsutawney; and was a life member of the Elks in Kane, Pa., where he lived as a younger man working on the railroad and often talked about with fond memories, but he was entrenched in the Lions Club, where he served as vice president and president of the Punxsutawney chapter and region chairman of District 14-J, winning numerous awards for his dedication. Mike genuinely enjoyed being able to devote his time to helping people in need.
He also enjoyed spirited debates and Russian literature.
Mike is survived by a son, Michael Charles Ruffner of Marathon Key, Florida; two daughters, Dulcey Ann Ruffner of Punxsutawney and Courtney Judith Ruffner Grieneisen of Bradenton, Florida; a grandson, Valentino "Tio" Grieneisen of Bradenton, Florida; a brother, Charles Daniel Ruffner of Cherry Tree, Pa.; a sister, Kathleen Anne Heaps of Charlotte, North Carolina; and many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who he cherished.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at Deeley Funeral Home in Punxsutawney.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church in Punxsutawney, with Monsignor Joseph Riccardo officiating.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Punxsutawney Lions Club, 199 Rock Run Rd., Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.
My heart goes out to all the family. May the God of love bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Lee Bunch
April 01, 2015 | Rocky Mount, NC
My Sympathy to The Mike Ruffner Family. I'm a friend of Mikes through the railroad when he worked out of Butler. Ross Jack Chicora, PA
March 07, 2015
Dear Chuck and family, I was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have many fond memories of working with him out of Punxsy, Marienville and Butler. He was a pleasure to work with and never a dull moment. Just a good railroader and all around great guy.
Michael McMarlin, Cumberland, MD
March 07, 2015
My sincere sympathy to the famiy..We will miss you Mike at our 55 class reunion this August..Mary Coble Brewer Class of 60
March 05, 2015
My class mate..Will miss you Mike..Mary Coble Brewer
Nary Cobe Brewer
March 05, 2015 | Pumvie, PA
Extending deepest sympathy
For you in your loss.
And hoping, too,
That comfort and peace
May come to you.
Peter Clement
March 05, 2015 | Huntington, NY
Bee and I wanted to make the funeral but the roads from DuBois werenot good..... My driveway and road way was ice. If conditions were different we would have there. Love and keep in touch
Pat Bogue Mohney
March 04, 2015 | Punxsy, PA
Your dad was special and interesting guy,He was al.ways ready to help anyone that needed help .very sorry.
Cuz, Jim m.
March 03, 2015
Dear Family, Please accept my prayers and sympathy at this difficult time for you all. I pray for God's love to guide you through. My dad ( Johnny) loved his family very much and when he was alive, he spoke of Mick and all his nieces and nephews often. God bless you all !
John L Gianvito (John and Julia's son)
John Gianvito
March 03, 2015 | Runnemede, NJ
