Anthony A. "Tony" Ruffolo, 84, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away Friday January 2nd, 2009 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late John and Maria (Grimaldi) Ruffolo. On April 12, 1947 he married the former Natalie "Nellie" Sgro at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mrs. Ruffolo predeceased him on March 2, 2003.

Anthony graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1942. During World War II he served as a sergeant in the United States Army 702nd Tank Destroyer Battalion with the Second Armored Division in the European theatre from December 28, 1943 until his honorable discharge on February 9, 1946. Upon returning from the Army, Anthony graduated from the electrical program at Trott Vocational High School in 1947 and from the machine shop training program in 1955. Balancing his full time work schedule and helping to raise his family, Anthony completed his Bachelor's degree in 1969 and his Master's degree in 1971 from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Anthony worked as a machinist for the Carborundum Company in Niagara Falls, NY from 1942 until 1965. He then began working at Bell Aerospace Textron, in Wheatfield, NY in 1965, and retired in 1988, after 23 years as training instructor and safety engineer. Anthony was a member of the Bell Management Club and in his leisure enjoyed working on electrical and electronic projects. A true gentleman, Anthony will always be remembered for his willingness to help others and his compassion for assisting those in need.

Survivors include his three children, Marie (late Paul) Maynard, John (fiancé Alice Violanti) Ruffolo, both of Niagara Falls, NY and Joseph (Teresa) Ruffolo of Lewiston, NY; seven grandchildren Kelly, Edwin (Kim), David (Misty) Maynard, John (Jackie), Tony (Christine) Ruffolo, Nicholas, Francesca Ruffolo; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters Rita (late Joseph) Polaster, Jean (late Paul) Ross both of Niagara Falls, NY; a sister-in-law Frances Simone of Niagara Falls, NY; a brother-in-law Joseph Sgro of Olean, NY and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Ruffolo was predeceased by a son, Anthony A. Ruffolo, Jr.; and three sisters Mary (late Marcelino) Cloquell, Adeline (late Nick) LeSacchi, and Gilda (late Paul) Messina.

Friends may call Monday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday January 6th at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment with military honors in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers are graciously declined and memorials may be made to N.F. Memorial Medical Center Foundation, 621 10th St., Niagara Falls, NY 14301 or Coach Paul Maynard Swimming Scholarship, c/o N.F. Board of Education, 630 66th St., Niagara Falls, NY 14304.