Mr. Joseph A. "Joe" Ruffule, Sr.

EAST UTICA - Joseph A. Ruffule, Sr., 88, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday Sept. 24, 2023. He was surrounded by the love and care of his family in the comfort of his home. Joe was born in Utica, NY to the late Michael & Anna (Zeina) Ruffule. He attended St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School & was a 1952 graduate of UCA. Family obligations kept him from attending college, but he never let that slow him down or dampen his spirit. He was proud to enter the workforce and be able to help his family. He took a job as a meatcutter for Mohican Markets in Downtown Utica. It was then that he met the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Leocadia (Fuentes) Ruffule. They were married on June 27, 1959. Throughout the years, Joe worked tirelessly in his industry and passed that fierce work ethic to his children. He would always preach the importance of education, honesty, patience, kindness, family and God. He valued his lifelong connections and always made time to help a friend in need. He was an avid volunteer for Meals on Wheels, a member of The Knights of Columbus and a faithful parishioner of St. Agnes, and St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Churches. Joe will be remembered for his generous spirit, patient demeanor, love of good conversation, kind eyes & a smile that spread joy wherever he went. He is survived by his beloved & devoted wife, Lee, and their children; Robert Ruffule, Debra Ruffule, Lisa Blasone and Joseph Ruffule Jr. and his beloved grandchildren; Jamie (& Matthew) Gaetano, Thomas Blasone, Melissa Pecorello, Ashley Owens, Robert Ruffule and Carli Ruffule and his cherished great grandchildren; Salvatore Drivas, Giorgio Drivas, Isabella Gaetano, Matteo Gaetano, Mason Owens and Braelynn Owens; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents; Michael and Anna, his brothers; Rufus Ruffule and Anthony Ruffule and his sister and brother-in-law; Anna Marie and Gary Karwowski. As well as many lifelong friends. He will also be reunited in Heaven with his beloved and faithful companion, his dog, Vito, whose company he enjoyed for 18 years. Lee and the family would like to extend their thanks to Hospice & Palliative Care for their overwhelming support and care of Joseph. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to them in Joe's honor (https://hospicecareinc.org/donations/); envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joseph’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph A. "Joe" Ruffule, Sr.

October 18, 1934 - September 24, 2023