Carmella "Carmie" Ruffa

In Memory of Carmella "Carmie" Ruffa
"And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character."
Ruth NIV
Carmella "Carmie" Ruffa, 97, passed away peacefully at home on June 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She died on the Feast of Saint Rainerius, a 12th-century Italian saint known for his dedication to prayer and helping others-qualities that Carmie lived by throughout her life. Born on July 31, 1927, in Carbondale, PA, she was the daughter of Dominic and Marie Astorino Pingitore.
Carmie was a devoted parishioner of Mount Calvary RC Church in Erie, PA, and a true prayer warrior. She faithfully prayed the rosary every day for her family and drew strength from scripture and fellowship at daily Mass at Mt. Calvary and St Ann Churches. Her unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life, enriched by her joyful participation in the Mount Calvary choir, where she worshipped Jesus through song alongside her fellow parishioners. Her closest friends, Shirley Taccone and Bunny Roche, brought laughter and companionship to her days, deepening her spiritual journey. It would be difficult to get through to her on the phone because of her long and daily conversations with Shirley! Her Lasagna dinners for Tonys Seminary friends left no empty seat or plate at the table! She entertained State senators, Doctors, state police officers and bishops at that same table and always shared her faith! But the company she loved the most was her family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren ; especially our family Christmas Eve dinner in which she continued the Italian traditional all fish dinner. She was blessed to have two beautiful and loving daughters in law, Nancy and Gina; Steve and Katie, who married her two grandchildren were always so respectful and loving in her presence bringing flowers, hugs and conversation to her life.
As a dedicated wife to her husband, Joseph E. Ruffa, Sr., who was a Pennsylvania State Trooper, Carmie spent countless hours praying for his safety. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was a pillar of comfort, offering reassurance and prayers to all who sought her guidance. Professionally, Carmie served as a secretary for the Erie County Veteran's Administration and for Fr. Feeney at Mount Calvary Church, leaving behind a legacy of service and devotion.
She is survived by her sons, Joseph E. Ruffa, Jr. (Nancy) and Dr. Anthony M. Ruffa (Gina); six grandchildren, Michael (Katie), Jennifer (Steve Wagner), Anthony, Ginelle, Victor, and Giana Ruffa; five great-grandchildren, Noah, Casey, Finn, Aiden, and Lily; and many nieces and nephews. She joins her 2 sons who died prematurely and now enjoy their mother for eternity. Our family owes a debt of gratitude to Laurel Honey, her daughter Rinnah and sister-in-law Rebecca Mc Collum for keeping mom healthy, always preparing nutritious meals, sharing their family gatherings with her and keeping the spirit of Christ in her house as well as their pet dog Boyfriend who guarded her and kept her company all these years ! 97 young and she never took 1 medication!
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, June 26 at St. James Church, with an open viewing at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. The Mass will be live streamed on this link https://www.facebook.com/share/15Q2dJxtdQ/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Jimmy Fund Walk through the Capalbo Strong team's page to support cancer research and care, honoring Carmie's compassionate spirit and will to fight a disease that took her mother, husband, brother, and nephew, and affected her grandson, https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR/JimmyFundWalk/JimmyFundWalk?pg=team&fr_id=2380&team_id=31858&s_hasSecureSession=true
Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pine Ave. Branch, 845 East 38th St. is handling arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com