Philip H. Ruffini

Philip H. Ruffini, 91, of Camillus,  went to join the love of his life, Florence and loving family and friends to eternal rest on Memorial Day May 25, 2015, surrounded by his children and family who held him in their arms as he entered heaven. Phil was born in Brooklyn in 1923, the first son and second of four children of Italian immigrants, Elvira and Louis Ruffini.  He lived in the NYC area graduating from public schools in Brooklyn until joining the Army at the age of 19, spanning the entire second World War.  Fortunately, his service never brought him into harm's way and was honorably discharged when hostilities ceased.  He attended college on the G.I. Bill in Seneca Falls for the first two years, finishing at Kent State.  When he returned to New York, he had several jobs working at a hat factory and then at a men's shop selling suits, neither became his dream job.  It wasn't until a short time later he found his "dream" at a sales job at a metal distribution company. When interviewing for a sales position, he noticed a pretty receptionist whose humor and friendliness made him feel relaxed and insuring him a job and a lifetime of love and memories. Florence was the love of his life and they were married in Greenwich Village, February 1955.  With his new bride, they moved to the Jackson Heights area where in September 1956 welcomed their first child, Philip. Their plans of raising a family in New York were short-lived as Phil's job transferred them to Enfield, Connecticut where their family and world of friends would grow exponentially.  Those friendships and memories born of those seven short years would forever be a part of their extended family.  It was there that they welcomed more members of the brood, Louis (1961) and finally, their first girl, Jane. Unfortunately, their destiny would not be in Enfield but in Syracuse, New York, where he reluctantly moved his family, now made up of six, in a small station wagon - the original "Vacation." After settling in Camillus, Phil continued to work his sales job making contacts and building friendships and relationships which always came easy for him as he had a warm and compassionate personality that endeared him to people. It was at this time, Phil and Flo welcomed their last child, another beautiful daughter, Gia or "Geeps", as her siblings called her.  Their family was now complete.  It would be just a few short years later that Phil and Flo put all their hopes, sweat and dreams into a chance at independence and opportunity and set off on their own to create their own destiny by starting a business. Thankfully Phil's knowledge, work ethics and relationships helped him get his footing and Rumetco Sales (Ruffini Metal Co.) was founded in May of 1969. Through dedication of working long hours, pinching pennies, and more spaghetti dinners than we could count, his business grew until he was doing far better than ever achieved working for others. The rest is history. Their business is still around 46 years later thanks to the lessons they instilled in their children of hard work, respect and most of all, family. For all the benefits they reaped from running a successful business, our parents never forgot where they came from and always put others first, sharing more than spending, because it was the pride of their accomplishment rather that the rewards that they cherished, always putting family first.  It is my fondest wish as their first child, that this will continue to be their legacy. Phil was predeceased by his wife and partner, Florence, who left us in 2012, a heartbreak that is now over; and sister, Yolanda; and brother, Leo. Surviving are his sister, Jeanette; sons, Philip and Louis J.; and loving daughters, Jane and Gia Ruffini.  He was blessed with 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; very special nephew, James Fisher; as well as other numerous nieces and nephews who were adored by their "Poppa" and "Uncle Phil." It was this love that sustained "Pop" right up to the age of 91.  His love and wisdom will be missed but his spirit will live on in those he leaves behind. Relatives and friends may call Friday, May 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be Saturday, May 30 at 8:15 a.m. at the funeral home and 9 a.m. in Holy Family Church where a funeral Mass will be celebrated.  Philip will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088.