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Joseph Ruffino Sr.
1938 - 2016
Joseph Ruffino Sr.
1938 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1938
DIED
2016
Joseph Ruffino Obituary
He was born on March 1, 1938 in Carini, Sicily, the son of Giuseppe and Rosa (Sgroi) Ruffino.
In the late 1950's a young Joseph, barely 20 years old, came to the great USA as a stone quarry worker from Carini, Sicily in search of the American Dream. During the years that followed, he worked hard in his country early on as a farmer and later as a construction worker. While working throughout the tri-borough area of NYC he was reintroduced to his now wife Rosaria Altadonna whom he had known from his hometown in Sicily. As their relationship grew to marriage, so grew their vision together of still finding that American Dream. They were married on July 11, 1964 in Brooklyn.
The lure of the countryside he so loved in Sicily, along with the influence of other family members who had moved to the area, drew Giuseppe and his young family to Upstate NY in the early 1970's. He and Rosaria knew this area would be ideal for raising a family. His work interest, along with the influence of other family members in the restaurant business, lead him to embark his future career of owning his own restaurant. In 1972 Joe Ruffino's Pizzeria and Restaurant opened on Main Street in Oneonta.
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Rosaria; his children, Joseph Ruffino, Jr. and his wife Ana of Oneonta; Rosa Brindley and her husband Thomas of Oneonta, Anna Tomaino and her husband James of Oneonta, and Antoinette Vasquez-Ruffino and her husband Cesar of Albany; 11 grandchildren, Joseph III (wife Jeannie), Thomas, Patrick, Anthony, Maria, Angela, Dominique, Maria, Cesar, Santino, and Vincenza; 2 step grandchildren, George and Anny; 3 sisters; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, November 28, 2016 from 4 to 7 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 10:15 am at St. Mary's Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, NY, with Rev. David Mickiewicz officiating. Entombment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to a local charity of your choice.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dawna Chamberlain
December 24, 2017
My neighbor when I was growing up, a man who always wore a smile. Hard working grateful soul, who treated everyone the same and by name. God bless .
Ed and Carole Overbey
December 14, 2016
Everyone in our family was saddened to hear of Mr. Ruffino's passing.
Ruth Hodges
December 4, 2016
He was a great friend and had the nicest restaurant in town and the best food.
Dave Perazone
December 2, 2016
We offer our sympathy and prayers to the Ruffino family for their loss. Joe was a terrific man and will surely be missed. God bless.
Dave & Kim Perazone, Oneonta
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Adrienne Taylor
December 1, 2016
Praying for all the Ruffino family. My fondest memories of Joe waving as we rode by the restaurant and seeing his beautiful smile. He made my daughter, Renie's class so happy when he brought in pizza for Joey's birthday.
Rebecca, Lorraine and Andrew Ruffino
November 30, 2016
My entire family was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Ruffino. I remember when we first moved to the area and had the opportunity to meet him for the first time. We thought it was so great to have someone we were "related to" that owned a pizza place. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Peter and Connie Popek
November 29, 2016
Words alone cannot describe this great man, and what he meant to his family and to Oneonta. All the Popeks are saddened by his loss..but what a great family and great legacy he has left for us! See you in heaven, Mr. Ruffino, they are lucky to have you!
Dawn Mewhorter
November 29, 2016
It was certainly sad news to learn of Joe, Sr.'s passing. Whenever, wherever we'd meet--always a happy guy. My heart breaks for the extended family.
Craig and Melinda and kids Gelbsman
November 29, 2016
My condolences to the whole Ruffino Family! Wevwill miss Mr Ruffino's wave while driving and his wave while sitting in front of the store. He made Oneonta a better place to live. His hard work to his great family he left a definite mark on this earth! G-d bless! #ronitolls
Catherine Baresch
November 29, 2016
Your family is in our prayers. My Dad and Joe were friends very long ago and I remember him well. His memory will remain in all our hearts
November 29, 2016
A good man who would always greet you with a smile and a hello, make small talk and ask about your family, especially when my daughter (Sarah) and I would come in. This was a good man who will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to the Ruffino family, especially you Joseph Jr. may God rest his soul.
Frederick S Shumway(Oneonta)
Rich and Leslie King
November 28, 2016
Rosa, we are so sorry for your loss. Joe was such an enthusiastic, energetic man that loved you and your family so. He was truly a part of the Del Mar family and we will hold wonderful memories of him in our hearts.
Rich and Leslie King and Family
Stan Smith
November 28, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed seeing Mr Ruffino in the store. Had a great story to tell or just to reminisce. He will be missed. All our thoughts and prayers.
Stan & Dolores Smith
Fred Rivera
November 28, 2016
My deepest condolences for your loss Sara,Joe,Rosie,Anna, Antoinette as well for the rest of the family members. Joe was a hard working,fun loving,and a family caring man I will always remember the good times I had with him and the rest of the ruffino family. I am so sorry for your loss
Fred rivera RIP
The Molloy's
November 28, 2016
I will always remember the warm hellos from across the lanai and how the fishing was. Our hearts and prayers of comfort go out to you Rosa and the Ruffino family for your loss. May Joe Rest in Peace till we all meet again.
Fred Rivera
November 28, 2016
My deepest condolences for your loss Joe,Rosie,Anna, Antoinette as well for the rest of the family members. Joe was a hard working,fun loving,and a family caring man I will always remember the good times I had with him and the rest of the ruffino family. I am so sorry for your loss
Fred rivera RIP
November 28, 2016
Dear Rosa and Family
Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. We were so happy to finally meet Joe Sr. at our daughter's wedding in September. Joey always speaks so warmly of his grandparents. Find comfort in our Lord's promise of eternal happiness with Him.
Bob and Kathy Nielsen
Johnny and Rene
November 28, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you find comfort in knowing that he was a man of faith and that he is with Our Lord now. He will be remembered in the hearts of many. May God Bess you all and help you find peace at this time of sorrow.
George & Marsha Tiemann
November 28, 2016
Marsha and I cannot tell you how sorry we are to hear about your Father. We are shocked and saddened by the news. Your Dad was an extraordany man. There are so many including ourselves in the community, who will deeply mourn his passing. As his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. We will always remember your Dad as a gem, who was a pleasure to be around. May he rest in peace. We extend our sympathy to you, your mom and the rest of your family during this time of such sorrow. God bless you all.
George Tiemann
November 28, 2016
Marsha and I cannot tell you how sorry we are to hear about your Father. We are shocked and saddened by the news. Your Dad was an extraordany man. There are so many including ourselves in the community, who will who will deeply mourn his passing as his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. We will always remember your Dad as a gem, who was a pleasure to be around. May he rest in peace. We extend our sympathy to you, your mom and the rest of your family during this time of such sorrow. God bless you all.
Tears are God's gift to us. Our holy water. They heal us as they flow. Rita Schiano
George & Marsha Tiemann
Sonja Mastrogiacomo
November 28, 2016
I was so sad to hear of Joe's passing. His pizza was the best and I spent a lot of weekends there. While I was visiting NY this summer I was so happy to see Joe and his wife sitting outside Ruffino's. I took a picture of him and got a hug. I am so happy his son is carrying on the family business. Condolences to his family, he will be missed. Sonja Mastrogiacomo
April Feyh
November 27, 2016
Dearest Mrs. Ruffino, Joe, Rosa, Tom, Anna, and Antoinette,
It is with a very heavy heart that I offer you my deepest sympathy for your tremendous loss. Mr. Ruffino had such a warm and fun loving way about him. When I remember him I will remember how much he adored his family,animals, and garden. I will remember him for his remarkable work ethic and the legacy he built with his wife for his children. Lastly I will remember his mischievous laugh and the twinkle he always had in his eye. God bless you all. Love April and Mike Feyh. (Bainbridge,NY)
Timothy Calabrese
November 27, 2016
Dear Joe and family,
I am currently residing in Lynchburg VA and I just learned about pop. I am so sorry for your loss my friend as your dad I look up to in so many ways. I will miss your dad a lot as he was a staple in Oneonta every time we came back to Oneonta. With love, Timothy and Joshua Calabrese
Elaine & Tom Tighe
November 27, 2016
Dear Joe and Family,
We were so sad to learn of the loss of your father. Always a hello and a smile from him. Heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Elaine and Tom Tighe
November 27, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Your father will be warmly remembered in our hearts.
Allan & Cheryl Moore
Dan Konstanty
November 27, 2016
Joe and the entire Ruffino Family:
My deepest sympathies and condolences to you for the loss of Joseph, Sr. The Ruffino Family was incredibly kind and generous to the Konstanty's when we lost our patriarch, and I hope that in some way we can return the support at your time of need. You are all in our prayers. Lean heavily on each other and keep the memories a living part of each day.
Brian Holling
November 26, 2016
Joey, Rosie and the girls! I will always remember your dad and family taking me in as an employee, when at a time in my life I was a little lost and needed a boost up! Your dad taught me so much about more than just pizza and restauranting. He taught me how to put the love of the moment into everyday...... I am so sorry for your loss, but please remember to also celebrate your dad's life, because he sure was one of a kind... The kind that is needed to make and maintain the strength of a hometown....... Our hometown....... Peace and love
Sheila & Mike Serbay
November 26, 2016
Joe......Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers for the loss of your father.
In Sympathy.......
Philip & Jeanette Colone
November 26, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of you dads passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
November 26, 2016
Dee And I are so sorry to hear of Joe's death. He was a remarkable man with a terrific personality and infectious smile. A wonderful family man, and who offered a great deal of service to Oneonta. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family. Rest in Peace Guiseppi. Dee and Dick Picolla
Duane & Mary Colone Hathaway
November 26, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Your Dad always had a smile no matter what and I am sure there were times he didn't feel like smiling but he did anyway. He was a hard worker and made Oneonta proud with his restaurant business. God will take care of him now. God Bless all of you and remember what he has taught all of you.
November 26, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to Joe and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Steve Hill.(Sidney, N.Y.)
Jim Adams and family
November 26, 2016
My thoughts and deepest condolences are with you all at this time.
Michael Sousa
November 26, 2016
So sad to hear this news, I have a lot of memories with your family and your dad will be missed tremendously by my family and I. God bless all of you !
Mary-Michelle Grummons Brown
November 26, 2016
Ruffino family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Ruffino always greeted me with a smile and a hug everytime I visited Oneonta. We would talk and laugh about the years we spent in his restaurant as teenagers. There was rarely a night out that we didn't end up at Ruffinos! I didn't know back then how much he put up with dealing with all of us kids in his restaurant, but as a parent I now have a true appreciation for the kindness and patience he had with all of us! I will miss seeing you when I'm home Mr. Ruffino, you truly have left an imprint in my heart and in the hearts of all of those who have had the privilege to know you! May you rest in peace.
Wendy and Aaron Fisher
November 26, 2016
Joe-So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. May the Lord lift you up on His wings and give you and your whole family peace.
Shelley Burr
November 26, 2016
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Prayers.
John Truscott
November 26, 2016
Joe was the type of man who brought joy into any room when he arrived! He was genuine in his concern for others, and yes, loved the City of Oneonta and his family... Now he is bringing joy to the heavens above as they all welcome him into Eternal Life... My sincere sympathies to his family.
Yvonne Lombardo
November 25, 2016
I am sad to hear of your loss ! You are my thoughts and prayers.
I have great memories of our families being together.
Kurt & Bobbi-Lynn Palmer
November 25, 2016
We were very sorry to hear this! We have great memories of Joey and all his family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Kurt & Bobbi-Lynn (Lombardo) Palmer, Wasilla, Alaska
Susan Feliu
November 25, 2016
I was just chatting with him about 2 weeks ago. I remember thinking how well he looked. My deepest sympathy.
pat ostrander
November 25, 2016
So sad to hear of Joe's passing, my condolences to the whole family , always a good friend for so many years .
Dick Breuninger
November 25, 2016
Your family is a fine example of how immigrants make Oneonta and the USA great. Blessings on you as you mourn your loss.
JoAnne Murphy
November 25, 2016
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all...with love from JoAnne, Sean, and Aaron
Darryn Mewhorter
November 25, 2016
My condolences to the Ruffino family on the loss of a great man. I can remember Joe Sr. coming into Pickett Building Supply getting supplies while I worked there. He was always smiling and it was always a pleasure talking with him. It was the same smile I would always get when I would see him at the restaurant. I'm glad to say that Joe Jr. continues that smile and friendliness when I'm in town. A wonderful man has gone, but he will not be forgotten.
November 25, 2016
Dear Ruffin family
My heart breaks for your loss. I'm sorry I can't make it to the service as my father in law passed away and we are having his service in Ithaca. Please know Jeff And I send our deepest condolences to all. With great respect. Kathleen Mami Moore and Jeff
Vic and Debbie Silvernail
November 25, 2016
Joey, Rosa, and the entire family our deepest sympathies to the whole Ruffino family- Your father was a fine man that will be missed- I still remember working for him when the pizzeria was where the Clinton plaza is now. Please cherish your memories and let them soothe your grief.
Brian Foley
November 25, 2016
My condolences to Joe and his family. Joe Sr. brought fantastic pizza to Oneonta, and his family was is a real boon to the town.
Donna Zeh (Bates)
November 25, 2016
God Bless all the Ruffino Family what a great man he was prayers go out to all the Ruffino family I remeber Joe so well
November 25, 2016
So sad for the Ruffino family! You all changed my Hometown, from the pizzeria to the Aquarium nite club, where 30 years ago we had our wedding reception Rest well Joe, you were one heck of a friend and mentor to all who knew you!
Shirley & Joe Wright
November 25, 2016
God Bless
Shirley Wright
November 25, 2016
God Bless the Ruffino family did not know Mr Ruffino but I do know his son Joe and daughter Rosa very good people...sorry for your loss many prayers for ya love ya Brother Joe & Sister Shirley Wright from Kentucky
ronald shapley
November 25, 2016
The American dream full filled.. God bless the Ruffino family..God comfort them.. Sia lodato Gesu Cristo ..
Colleen Walker
November 25, 2016
Rosa - you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Treasure the many special memories. May God comfort you in this difficult time. Colleen walker and Jim Dewes
November 25, 2016
Sorry for you loss Ruffino family. I remember Joe Sr well, twirling that pizza dough in front of the restaurants window. Best pizza in town!!! An Oneonta icon for sure!
Debbie (Lingner) Cole
Dawna Ross
November 25, 2016
God bless. What a great man. He made a big impact on Oneonta and many families....always a smile on his face. Prayers to his family and friends.
Michael Rizzo @ family
November 25, 2016
May the Lord bring peace and comfort to your family at this time.may all of your memories stay close to your heart and always live on in your sprits. When we lose a loved one they our only gone physically for their spirt never leaves us. May he rest in peace and continue to guide all of you in your lives.
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14 Grand Street, Oneonta, NY 13820
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