Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, John B. Ruffing passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born on April 13, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Though he spent most of his life in Maine, he made Fayetteville, Tennessee, his home following the birth of his granddaughter.
John lived a life dedicated to caring for and serving others. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he initially studied for the Catholic priesthood before life led him in a different direction, though his heart for service never wavered. For many years, John worked as a Rehabilitation Specialist supporting injured veterans and later founded his own company to continue providing that care. He also offered counseling to those experiencing grief and loss for more than 50 years, always finding joy in connecting with people.
Even into his 80s, John volunteered with the American Red Cross, deploying to disaster areas across the country. His commitment to helping others extended globally through his involvement with international exchange programs for students and teachers. He and his family hosted many guests from around the world, building lifelong friendships. John loved to travel throughout the U.S. and Europe, cherishing every opportunity to learn from others and share in their lives.
In his later years, John enjoyed retirement in Tennessee, spending time outdoors and tending cattle on the family farm. Above all, the light of his life was his granddaughter, and he treasured every moment with his family.
John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marcia Hasenjager Ruffing; son, Curt Ruffing and wife Salina; granddaughter, Cara Ruffing; brother, Gilbert (Debbie) Ruffing; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Catherine Boyle Ruffing; siblings, Betty DePaul, Leo (Teresa) Ruffing, James (Jeanette) Ruffing, Donald (Sibyl) Ruffing, Alice Petrulo, Lois Miller, and Lawrence Ruffing; and brothers-in-law, John Hasenjager and Bill Hasenjager.
A graveside service will be held at 11 AM at Tully Cemetery in Tully, NY on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. There will be no visitation prior to the service.
Memorial donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish America Gift Processing,1702 East Highland Avenue, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016 or St. Agnes’ Church, P.O. Box 356, Cowan, TN 37318.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John B. Ruffing.
