Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Daniel Ruffo Obituary
Dan loved spending time with his family, sitting on his front porch with his pet buddy Kaia, cheering for the Giants, Notre Dame and especially his number one team, the New York Yankees. The best part of his day was playing his scratch off lotto tickets and hoping to win the big jackpot. To him family was always first, and he was always there when you needed him. He truly lived for his family.
Dan met the love of his life, Karin L. Joberg, in high school. They married in 1976, at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Norwich. Karin predeceased him in 2002.
Dan is survived by his three children, Saara Douglas of Norwich, Lisa Ruffo (Michael Gordon) of Griswold, and Matthew Ruffo (Katie) of Lebanon; and his three granddaughters, Emma, Tessa and Allie. He is also survived by his three siblings, Fred Ruffo (Joy) of Plainfield, Patricia Ruffo of Franklin, and Robert Ruffo (Julie) of Norwich; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
His Wake will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the Guillot Funeral Home, 75 South B Street in Taftville. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. the following day, Thursday, March 30, at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Norwich. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Ruffo
Sponsored by Guillot Funeral Home.
Daniel Tamborra
April 12, 2023
My sincere condolences to Dan's family .I grew up with Dan on Broad St less than 300 ft from the Ruffo home on Grove St .Many games of sandlot baseball and football at an early age Dan dominated t hose games .
He continued that domination throughout high school .Later on I was student teaching at Teachers Memorial and Dan would come into my classroom and was a great source of encouragement to me .
Recently i would run into Dan at the convenience store and we would talk baseball and being a Red Sox fan it was enjoyable talking with him even if the Yankees were riding higher than my Sox .
I will miss him he was one in a million .
Paul & Kathleen Morosky
April 2, 2023
Dear Matthew, Saara, Lisa and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Dan was truly a loved human being. May you find comfort in this difficult time knowing he is at peace united with Karen for eternity.
Amy Daigle
March 31, 2023
Matt and Kate and girls,
I was so very sorry to hear about your dad. Praying for you all for God's comfort during this difficult time. Amy Daigle and family
Thomas R. Mulconry
March 31, 2023
Memories of Daniel T. “Dan” Ruffo
Thomas R. Mulconry
On March 24, 2023, a childhood friend of mine notified me of the death of Dan Ruffo. It was sad news to hear; however, I thought it was interesting I had thought of him just the other day after so many years as I passed a local high school football field, wondering what ever happened to Dan. I would like to share some of my memories of him.
Dan was a year a head of me in high school. We were not friends per se, but friendly acquaintances. Dan was well known for his love of sports, particularly football. In the sport of football Dan excelled, and he was a joy to watch on the field. Dan was the quintessential quarter back for the Norwich Free Academy (NFA) Wildcats. Although his passing ability should never be underestimated, his real strength was his ability to strongly run with the football, often right over the opposition. Dan was only a young man of average height; however, what he lacked in stature he made up with his enthusiasm and drive to succeed. I, along with his other high school fans, cheered his many touch downs as he drove the NFA Wildcats to victory time after time on the playing field. Dan’s strive for victory on the playing field was not without its sacrifices, as he had received several injuries, particularly to his knees, which were sometimes seemingly deliberately done by unscrupulous members of opposing teams. Nevertheless, in his zeal to be the very best he could, Dan consistently got back into the game as soon as possible. Despite his popularity, Dan was always good natured, down to earth, and approachable. Dan was a likable fellow all around.
While attending NFA Dan met and Karin L. Joberg. I did not know her well, as we traveled in different circles. While on the NFA campus I often saw Dan and Karin walking and/or talking together, sometimes, even hand in hand, and a kiss between them when parting was quite common. It did not surprise me to hear Dan and Karin eventually married. I did not know Karin had passed until I read Dan’s obituary, as I had moved out of the Norwich area many years ago.
Dan graduated from NFA a year earlier than I did. Rumor had it Dan, due to his football prowess received a full scholarship to Tulsa Oklahoma University for football. It was my understanding via the rumor mill Dan subsequently attended Central Connecticut State University, graduated with a degree in education, and afterward worked in the field of education.
I had not seen Dan for over 50 years, but had remembered him being a good person who was in effect an actual hometown football hero. In his wake Dan leaves behind beloved family members and many friends and will be greatly missed to all who knew and loved him.
May he rest in peace,
Thomas R. Mulconry, Battle Creek, MI
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Julie Ruffo
March 30, 2023
Dear Danny,
These last couple days saying our final goodbyes has been so very difficult. You were ready to leave us, but we weren't ready to let you go. The numerous amount of people paying their respects and all the kind words over these past two days has been truly heartwarming. You were loved and respected by so many! You were the best brother-in-law and Uncle, who was always there no matter what. Now, you are reunited with Karin and you are at peace smiling down! Love you and miss you already, but know I will see you again my dear brother-in-law!
Tony Arruda
March 30, 2023
Dan was such a great person, who would give the shirt off his back to help anyone. You always had that big smile on your face and a lot of stories, that would keep everyone smiling. You will be deeply missed. What a great athlete and person on and off the field. I want to send my sincere condolences to Dan's Family, he will sincerely miss by everyone. May your soul rest in peace.
Mark Fournier
March 30, 2023
I was a freshman football player for NFA and we had to go against Dan and the varsity running backs. Omg!! Run over us like a steam roller!! I would run into Dan from time to time and he always made you feel special!! Always took time to ask questions about family and how life was treating you!! Great Guy and will be missed!!
-Mark Fournier
Roland Bennett
March 30, 2023
Dan, you made us laugh, you gave us thrills on the court, diamond, or gridiron, and you made life a little easier. Thank you for the memories and thank you for just being you.
Pat Bowman Moravek
March 29, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Danny. He lived up the street from me growing up and everybody knew Danny. He was a great guy in high school. I have not seen him since then but he was a well respected popular guy. I am so very sorry to hear this. Sending his family many prayers.
William Dall Jr
March 29, 2023
Gail and I cannot express our sorrow for your loss. He will always be remembered in our hearts and prayers
Debra Murallo
March 28, 2023
Sara so sorry for your loss, saw him at Dr's. Office in waterford last yr. And had a chance to chat with him
Rob &lois Barrett Huntington
March 28, 2023
Dan Ruffo will always be remembered as one of the most respected member of the class of 1970. He was a remarkable man with a kind soul. May you find comfort in your memories and knowing how highly regarded he was by all who had the pleasure to know him...
Beverly Causa
March 28, 2023
My Deepest Condolences to all Dan's family, Dan was a sweet and loving person big heart and soul, may his soul be forever...Amen.
Rob Pellegrini
March 28, 2023
Great guy Rest in peace Danny
The Pellegrini family
JA Chico Souza
March 28, 2023
So sorry for this sad news. My sincere condolences to the Ruffo family, Dan & I were classmates at NFA class 1970.
Great guy & amazing football player, RIP Dan
Rik and Sue Little
March 28, 2023
Our condolences to your family Dan although I´m sure they have so many wonderful memories of you as do all of us who had the pleasure to know you. A true pleasure to be a teammate of yours. Thank you for all the laughs, you will be missed but always remembered.
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Saara Douglas
March 28, 2023
Wanted to share some of our favorite pictures of Dad. His smile was infectious. He loved to laugh and loved his family beyond words. I´m not ready to say goodbye to you Dad. I´m still waiting for you to come come home.
Daniel Glenney
March 28, 2023
Fellow graduate from NFA class 1970. You always appeared naturally happy to me. Your sense of humor dovetailed with that perception. I always felt uplifted after we would bump into each other. A good friend for over 50 years
Deborah Zglobis
March 28, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Danny's family.
Carol Maher
March 27, 2023
To Dan´s children your father was a superstar to those that knew him during his time as at NFA especially in football. However his kindness, that smile and that sparkle in his eyes will not be forgotten and will live on in Our hearts forever. Carol (Papp) Maher
Tony Orsini
March 27, 2023
To all the Ruffo family,
Remembering Danny as a great athlete and an even better person,
Norwich "s. # 1. New York Yankee Fan
I will miss our conversations discussing his beloved Yankees,
and the good times on Lake St.
R.I.P. "Mr. Yankee".
Sincerely, Tony Orsini
Ron Ledoux
March 27, 2023
Ron Ledoux
March 27, 2023
Ron Ledoux
March 27, 2023
Ron Ledoux
March 27, 2023
Haven't seen Dan in a long time...lots of great memories, on campus, sports, The Lincoln....Dan was a kind and considerate person...he was also one tough...you fill in the blanks...thought I would share a few old photos....not sure how good the quality will be......Ron Ledoux
Nancy (Martin) Burnett
March 27, 2023
I met you in our first year at NFA. I´d just moved here from a tiny town in Canada. I knew no one and was scared and lonely. Your kindness and friendship meant the world to me. I will never forget it.
Billy Shea
March 27, 2023
I remember many days playing with Dan on the Lake St playground. Such a great person and athlete and he certainly will be missed. My condolences to the complete Ruffo family.
RIP my friend
Billy Shea
Richard Geller
March 27, 2023
Danny's smile and laugh could light up a room. I will miss him. Richard Geller
Joan Martin
March 27, 2023
Dear Danny,
You were a kind and caring man throughout your life. This kindness meant a lot to me during the high school years and well beyond. The world is now a more lonely place without you here. May love and peace be yours forever yours.
Joseph and Jolene Ruffo
March 26, 2023
To Danny´s entire family,
We still cannot believe it. We will never forget Danny.
Fondly, Jolene and Joe
Paul and Carrie Szymanski
March 26, 2023
To Saara, Lisa and Matthew,
Our hearts, our love and our deepest condolences to all of you during this difficult time. We are here for you. We will miss our visits with Danny and especially his big, beautiful smile. You have a beautiful angel watching over you. Our love, thoughts and prayers are always with you. Love, Uncle Paul and Aunt Carrie xo
Gary and Wendy Bohara
March 26, 2023
Ruff,it´s hard to imagine not having you around.It´s been a great 65 years calling you my friend.Going to miss you at our breakfast meetings with the boys.Rest in Peace my friend,Our condolences to the family
Bob Butrymowicz
March 26, 2023
I sit here at home,thinking of the days we had together with tears in my eyes and my heart hurting . MY thoughts go out to FREDDY,PATTY AND Robert who I consider my family and to DANNY´s children Sarah,Lisa,and Matthew condolences to them.
Love BUTSY I´ll never forget and hope to meet again when it´s my time.
Glenn Duch
March 26, 2023
I'm so so sorry to hear about Danny. He was a great friend for years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. RIP my friend.
Jim Rutkovsky
March 26, 2023
To the Family,
Our prayers are with you.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Danny.
He was an ardent competitor and a friendly teammate. Fond memories of Danny will remain with all of us.
Jim Rutkovsky
Class of 1970
Darlene Laiche
March 26, 2023
Lots of great memories of my childhood on Grove Street with Danny and his siblings. We were 1970 graduates of NFA. My condolences to his family, so sorry for your loss.
Toni (Malerba) Constantinou
March 26, 2023
Danny,
I will never forget all of your amazing words of wisdom you have shared with me over the years. They usually started with "you know us Italians..." and would usually end with "but what are ya gonna do that´s life Ton". Ruffo family, Danny had the kindest heart and sweetest soul. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He talked so highly of each of his kids and grandkids and was so proud of all of you. I am so grateful to have known him for over 9 years and Malerba´s corn will forever remind me of him xoxo
Mike Bogdanski
March 26, 2023
One of the greatest !
The Wertenbach Family
March 26, 2023
So sorry for your loss
Marilyn Majewski, Punta Gorda, Florida
March 26, 2023
I was so sorry to hear that Danny passed. Please accept my sincere condolences to the whole Ruffo family. Thinking of you.
Mandy Crispim
March 26, 2023
Dear Lisa and family,
Your father was a great man as I remember always being welcome in your home as a child. I hope you all find peace and share great memories.
Mandy Crispim (Cormier)
Karen & Jim McCabe
March 26, 2023
Dearest Lisa & Family,
Please accept our most sincere sympathies on the passing of your dad. May the prayers of all people who love you bring solace to your soul.
Nancy & Lee Johnson
March 26, 2023
So sorry to hear of Danny´s passing. Will miss seeing him but so happy for him that he has been reunited with the love of his life. Rest In Peace Danny
Bill Shannon
March 26, 2023
Dear Saara, Lisa, and Matt,
I'm so sorry that you lost your Dad and I lost a great friend. May God bless you and please remember the love you received from Mom and Dad. My best, Bill Shannon
Peter & Margaret Ververis
March 26, 2023
"Hopper,"
Whether you were handed the football as a fullback, standing in the batter's box as a clean up hitter, or boxing out on a rebound in basketball the excitement you generated for fans was beyond compare. Will miss those days at Lake Street playground growing up.
Our sincere condolences to Family.
Karen Andrew
March 26, 2023
So sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Hazel Raynes
March 26, 2023
Danny,
You will always be remembered for you great smile, warm spirit and gentle kindness. I have great memories of home room shenanigans in MT! Rest easy and peacefully. Your battles are over!
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of this wonderful fellow classmate.
God Bless
Hazel Raynes
Showing 1 - 61 of 61 results
Make a Donation
in Daniel Ruffo's name
Memorial Events
for Daniel Ruffo
Mar
29
People and places connected with Daniel
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Daniel's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Daniel Ruffo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
