Donald J Ruf

Don was born in Wausau, Wisconsin to Fred Ruf and Emma Ziberski on November 1, 1934 and received a diploma from Wausau High School. He attended US Navy Training School and then served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1961. Don worked for Raleigh Company and owned and operated Partyland, a retail store in N. Miami from 1964 until 1970. He subsequently obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1971 and a Masters in Education Degree in 1974 from Florida Atlantic University. Don initially taught at New River Junior High School in 1971 and thereafter taught at South Broward, Piper, Lake Weir, American Heritage and Plantation High Schools from 1974 until retirement in 1997. He married Linda Vitale on July 2, 1981.

He is preceded in death by 2 brothers, Art and Henry, and sister, Marion Obrantz and by Buddy, his devoted and very much loved constant companion, a Cocker Spaniel.

Don is survived by his wife, Linda Vitale, his 4 children and their spouses: Bianca and Shawn Conway, Denice and Scott Back, Barry and Karen Ruf, Lori and George Anderson, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and Nancy Darling, mother of the 4 children.

Don will be very much missed by family and friends. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at 2:00 PM on January 25, 2025 at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 2401 S. University Drive, Davie, FL. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Paws of War, Project K-9 Hero, Paws of Honor, V.F.W. or Veteran's Organization or Animal Rescue Organization of your choice.