Joseph J. "Silver Fox" Ruffing

Joseph J. "Silver Fox" Ruffing

Of Munhall, passed away on October 6, 2022, surrounded by those most precious to him, his devoted wife and children.  Joe was born in Homestead, on October 11, 1931, to the late Joseph G. and Loretta (Rausch) Ruffing.

Joe is survived by his high school sweetheart, Joanne (Zekany), his wife of 70 years, who he lovingly called Moe.  He is the beloved father of Denise, Donna (Art) Perhacs, Bob (Lisa), Diane (Kevin) Butler, Ray and Rick.  Cherished (and often teased) grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 10 great – grandchildren.  Dear brother to the late Celine and Warren Kraeuter and the late Louis (Bernice) Ruffing.  Also, many nieces and nephews.  Special friend to Elmer and the late Babs Hofmeister.

He graduated in 1953, from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.  He started his career at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh Plant and retired from Westinghouse Transportation Division (West Mifflin) at the young age of 57.  

His loves were his church, his wife and family, the outdoors and the simple things in life.  He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (St. Therese Worship Site) where he was an usher, money counter, Funeral Ministry member and big-wheel head barker at the St. Therese festival for many many years.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, whose favorite places on earth were anywhere with family, the cottage at Pymatuning, and the Oak Hill Hunting and Fishing Club, located in “God’s Country” outside of Emporium, PA.  Oak Hill Camp was almost a second home, where the extended family gathered in August for the Ruffing retreat.  Commissioner Joe officiated the annual Oak Hill Jart Tournament, played countless games of horseshoes, took in morning walks on the railroad tracks and spent nights by the campfire before retiring for bed.        

Joe took great pride in his garden, was a devoted Pittsburgh sports fan, and cheered on his Pitt Panthers and Pirates thru thick and thin.  In his younger years he coached baseball and helped reinvigorate the Munhall Baseball league.  Throughout his life, he was a strong supporter of local sports, particularly those involving extended family members.

We will miss you; our lives will never be the same.

Family and friends received on Sunday, October 9, from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the George Irvin Green Funeral Home, Inc., 3511 Main St. Munhall 15120.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, October 10, at 11:30 am in St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (St. Therese Worship Site) with Fr. Dan Sweeney officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Appalachia Work Camp; c/o St. Max Church 363 West 11^th Ave. Homestead 15120.