Thomas F. Ruffen Sr.

SALEM, N.H. — Mr. Thomas F. Ruffen, Sr., 78, a resident of Salem, N.H., passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at the Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre in Methuen.

Born in Lawrence, Mr. Ruffen was educated in the Lawrence Schools and was a graduate of Lawrence High School, Tilton Preparatory School in Tilton, N.H, and U.N.H. where he graduated with a degree in Business.

He had served in the United States Army during the Korean War obtaining the rank of Corporal. Mr. Ruffen was retired from Purity Supreme Supermarket in Salem, N.H.. where he had worked as the Customer Service Manager.

An avid sports fan, Mr. Ruffen himself played ball most all of his life and was an outstanding athlete in many different sports. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Mr. Ruffen was an attendant of Mary Queen of Peace Church in Salem, N.H.

Members of Mr. Ruffen's family include his wife, Mary Louise (Roberge) Ruffen; children, Susan M. Desmet and her husband, Thomas of Salem, N.H., Thomas F. Ruffen, Jr., and his wife, Karen of Deerfield, N.H., David J. Ruffen and his wife, Cheryl of Salem, N.H. and Mary-Jo Driggers and her husband, Floyd of Salem, N.H.; his grandchildren, Kathleen Rhoades, Matthew Rhoades, Kyle Ruffen, Andrew Ruffen, Michael St. Laurent, Trevor Ruffen and Gabrielle Driggers. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Hogya and her husband, Emile of Lawrence, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre for their wonderful care and support.

ARRANGEMENTS: A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 12, at noon in Mary Queen of Peace Church, in Salem, N.H. Burial will follow in the Pine Grove Cemetery, also in Salem, N.H. Family and friends may call on Friday, July 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury St., Lawrence. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre, 10 Ingalls Court, Methuen, MA 01844. To send an online condolence or for more information, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.