Carl Robert Ruffing, 83, of Rincon, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Memorial Health University Center in Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Ruffing was born in Pittsburgh, PA and spent the first 74 years of his life in Pittsburgh, and in Pleasant Hills, PA before moving to Oviedo, Florida in 2005 and then to Rincon, Georgia in 2007.
Inducted into the US Army in 1952, Mr. Ruffing was stationed for a time at Fort Benning, GA, and was honorably discharged in 1954 receiving both the Good Conduct and the National Defense Service Medals. Shortly after his return to Pittsburgh, Mr. Ruffing married the love his life, Lois Jozwiak, in 1955 and began his lifelong career in the steel industry, first working for J&L Steel, which later became LTV, and then after his retirement from LTV, working for Metal Tech until his mid-sixties. His fondest memories were of the men he had worked alongside, mentored, and supervised in the military and at the mill. He was a leader who earned the admiration and respect of his crew, a friend who would remain a friend throughout a lifetime, and a father who above everything loved his wife and his children.
Mr. Ruffing appreciated crossword puzzles, liked baseball, and took pride in the care and condition of his lawn. He could easily chat with a stranger, made sure that everything was fixed and in working order at his home, and was always just a phone call away if you needed anything.
Mr. Ruffing was the son of the late Joseph and Cecelia (Ratajczyk) Ruffing of Pittsburgh, PA, and brother of the late Joseph Conrad Ruffing also of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois (Jozwiak) Ruffing currently of Rincon, Georgia, his daughters Carol Sommers, Linda Rozinak, and granddaughter Jessica Rozinak Klug and her husband Raymond, grandson, Justin Rozinak,; his daughter Deborah and her husband Raymond Lorson, and his daughter Pamela (Schimborski, Williams) and her husband Najeeb Zuberi and their daughter, Aleah; grandson David Schimborski and granddaughter, Bethany Schimborski, grandson Austin Williams and an extensive list of family and friends.
In Pittsburgh, PA on Wednesday, 7 May 2014, friends and family are invited to the Beinhauer Family Funeral Home (www.Beinhauer.com) on West Liberty Avenue where viewing hours will be from 5pm to 8pm. On Thursday, 8 May 2014, at NOON, a religious service will be held at the Beinhauer Family Funeral Home, followed by a procession to the VA National Cemetery of the Alleghenies located at 1158 Morgan Road in Bridgeville, PA where a Military Honors Ceremony will take place at 2:00 pm. Respects to the family can be sent to[email protected].
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C.J. Neesmith
A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
May the many fond memories of your loved one provide you with peace and serenity at this time of loss.
Carol Sommers
Death robs us of the people we love, Love keeps them alive in our hearts, and Gods gives us them for eternity. My Dad would visit for just a few days and he would know all of my neighbors, he would have every broken item I owned repaired, and he would always have a tear in his eye when we would say goodbye. I had the pleasure of accompanying Dad to a Metal Tech Christmas party a few years back, when my mother’s health would not permit her to attend. Dad had already retired, yet Metal Tech continued to extend an invitation to my father. At the party, I had the privilege of watching Dad with his buddies from the mill. During the entire evening, men would seek out my Dad, shake his hand, and thank him. These men were truly glad to see him and the respect and admiration that they felt for my father was obvious. My Dad not only made a difference in my life, but I could see that he made a difference in the lives of so many others, as well. Plus, he was a good dancer… following every instruction I gave him. My Dad had a tear in his eye when he took his last breath, like he always would when he said goodbye. I am looking forward to seeing Dad again, when we are both in the “Forever After.” Thank you Dad! You did a great job!
Carol Sommers
Death robs us of the people we love, Love keeps them alive in our hearts, and Gods gives us them for eternity. My Dad would visit for just a few days and he would know all of my neighbors, he would have every broken item I owned repaired, and he would always have a tear in his eye when we would say goodbye. I had the pleasure of accompanying Dad to a Metal Tech Christmas party a few years back, when my mother’s health would not permit her to attend. Dad had already retired, yet Metal Tech continued to extend an invitation to my father. At the party, I had the privilege of watching Dad with his buddies from the mill. During the entire evening, men would seek out my Dad, shake his hand, and thank him. These men were truly glad to see him and the respect and admiration that they felt for my father was obvious. My Dad not only made a difference in my life, but I could see that he made a difference in the lives of so many others, as well. Plus, he was a good dancer… following every instruction I gave him. My Dad had a tear in his eye when he took his last breath, like he always would when he said goodbye. I am looking forward to seeing Dad again, when we are both in the “Forever After.” Thank you Dad! You did a great job!
Peter Lazzopina
Carl was a good man and loved his family; especially his three daughters,very much. He will be well remembered.
Carol Sommers
For information regarding the dates and times for the viewing in Pittsburgh and Military Honor Burial Service at the VA National Cemetery of the Alleghenies for Carl Ruffing, please contact the family at [email protected]. Thank you.