RUFFING SR., JOSEPH C.

RUFFING SR., JOSEPH C., aka “Coyote Joe”, surrounded by family passed peacefully on May 19, 2010. Joe was married for 54 years to the love of his life, Mary, whom he referred to often as “Kitten”. They had three children: Debbie, Joe Jr., and Cheri. Born in northwestern Pennsylvania, Joe moved to Cape May County in the late 50’s for a stint in the U.S. Coast Guard for which he was a Buoy Tender on the icebreaker Sassafras for 4 years. Joe and Mary chose to stay in Cape May County; he then got into the building trade and soon started his own business, Ruffing Roofing. Mary ran the office and was lovingly renamed “The War-Chief”; whenever Joe needed a situation handled he would turn it over to her. He was a man of great pride, whatever it took to provide for his family without hesitation he did, working often endlessly into the night with flood lights. He was skilled at 14 trades, mastering all then passing that knowledge onto his son Joe Jr., who has now taken over the family business. Another life’s pride for Joe was his haven, Triple R Ranch. He so enjoyed having people come to his facility; watching them all being around the horses, walking the grounds, having family gatherings, he would glow with excitement talking to everyone. Today the Triple R is a boarding facility with a lesson program and owned by his daughter Cheri. Joe loved driving around town in his truck better known as “McCloud”, if you happened to be behind him you might be apt to say, “Oh no, I’m behind Slow Joe”. He was a man of honor and dignity; his word was worth more than any contract. He will be sadly missed and always loved by anyone that had the pleasure of calling him Husband, Dad, Pop, and friend. I can assure you all he is in Heaven looking down upon us, with a little twist of that lower lip asking an angel beside him, “Hey, you got five dollars?!” Joe is survived by his wife Mary; daughters: Deborah (Keith) A. Mosher, Cheri (Jon) L. Errico; his son Joseph C. Ruffing, Jr.; grandchildren: Tara Tanghare, Nichole Frame, Melissa, Joseph III, and Timothy Ruffing, Kevin and Christopher Robson, and Corrine Errico; great-grandchildren: Herman III, Cole, and Chloe Frame; and his brothers, Donald and Brian Ruffing. Funeral Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 1010 Bayshore Road, Del Haven, NJ 08251. Condolences at www.radzieta.com