Anthony James Ruffolo

The family of Anthony James Ruffolo, of Carlsbad, California, is deeply saddened to announce his passing on the evening of December 18th 2024, at the age of 91.

Anthony James Ruffolo was born on October 8th 1933 in Chicago, Illinois to parents Anthony B. Ruffolo and Annette Motto. He grew up alongside his brother, Ray Ruffolo, in Chicago, where he attended Catholic high school. Tony’s artistic talent and love for drawing initially sparked dreams of becoming an artist, but his teachers, recognizing his intelligence, encouraged him to pursue a career in law.

Tony began his college education at the University of Illinois before his father decided to move the family west to California, inspired by the warm weather reminiscent of southern Italy where he had grown up.Tony agreed to move with his family where he continued his education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and earned his bachelor’s degree before attending Loyola Law School.

Upon completing law school, Tony enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) and was stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador, before being reassigned to Castle Air Force Base in Merced, CA. He was eventually promoted to Captain and it was there that he met and married his beloved wife, Nina, a nurse and first lieutenant.

The couple decided to move to Los Angeles, where Tony began working at Caltrans and together they welcomed their first child, Anthony. Shortly after, they settled in Highland Park, where they had two more children, Maria and Angela. Following his father’s passing, Tony, who was a devoted and sincere family man, took on the responsibility of helping his family and relocated everyone to a larger home in La Canada, where they lived for 30 years.

Tony’s career at Caltrans flourished, progressing to his promotion to Chief Counsel. He was highly respected for his leadership skills and ability to inspire colleagues. Tony and Nina had close friendships with his colleagues and their wives and they hosted some of the most memorable parties at their La Canada home. They also took trips to northern California for office meetings and enjoyed visiting many

wineries with some of their best friends. Tony and Nina loved music and theater and would attend numerous performances at the Hollywood Bowl and the Music Center in Los Angeles.

After retiring from Caltrans, Tony moved to Carlsbad, CA but retirement didn’t last long as he started a private law practice, continuing to work for several more years. When he fully retired, Tony engaged himself in community activities, playing in a senior softball league, volunteering at local polling centers on Election Day and serving on and as president of his HOA.

Tony’s love for travel took him and his family to Italy numerous times, including visits to Calabria, where they connected with relatives and explored his father’s birthplace.

He cherished delicious food, fine wine and a good cigar and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, often treating them to memorable dinners at some of his favorite restaurants.

Tony Ruffolo’s life was a testament to love, dedication and generosity.

He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and countless treasured memories. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him, especially his children: Anthony, Maria (Kevin Calhoun) and Angela (William) Robbins.

Dear Dad,

"You mean so very much to me,

And I want you to know

That you are always in my heart,

No matter where I go.

You're always giving, always there

To help in any way;

The loving things you've done for me,

I never could repay.

I can't imagine what I'd do

Without the love you give.

I'll treasure your sweet heart of gold

As long as I shall live."

—Anonymous

Celebration of Life to be held after the service - TBD