Thomas W. Ruffner

THOMAS W. RUFFNER of Wickliffe, passed away Friday August 5, the morning after celebrating his 69th birthday with his family. His composure and confidence were noted by many who visited him and who admired his patient suffering while dealing with cancer. He was a source of inspiration to his family and friends.

He is survived by Louise (née Miola), his beloved wife of 45 years, and by his children Joseph (Jennifer) of Skokie, IL, Emily (Michael) Casey of Chicago, IL, and Thomas L. (Eleanor) of Austin, TX, who were able to spend much of the last month by his side at the family home as he continued to model a sense of peace, hope and serenity while keeping them laughing.

Born August 4, 1947, in Cleveland to the late Howard and June (née Perry), he was the second of seven sons. He is predeceased by his younger brother Donald, and he is survived by Howard (Lark), Robert (Linda), Ronald (Patricia), Richard (Shawn) and Michael (Carol), who cherish memories of playing with Tom while growing up on Cook Ave. in Lakewood.

Tom was a proud grandfather of Isabella, Addison, Sofia, Elizabeth, Giacomo, James, and Eva, and a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews. His retirement was spent traveling to visit many of them.

His career in graphic arts led him to co-founding Villa Beach Communications, and Tom spent most of his life in civic service. He is remembered for what he did for others, especially as a councilman and two-term mayor of the City of Wickliffe, member of the Knights of Columbus, the City Club, the Wickliffe I & A Club, and co-founder of the Wickliffe Community Hall of Fame.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Martin’s Cloak Fund or St. Benedict Education Fund, through St. Martin of Tour’s Church, 14600 Turney Road, Maple Heights, OH 44137.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30pm on Monday August 8, 2016, at Holy Rosary Church, 12021 Mayfield Road in Little Italy, with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Tom’s brother-in-law Fr. Lou Miola will be the celebrant. The family will receive friends at the DiCICCO AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. (at Lander Rd.) Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Online tribute and condolences www.diciccoandsonsfh.com