Albert “Al” Ruffini

Albert V. Ruffini, age 82 of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020.  He had been a science teacher at Wayne Hills High School for forty-six years.

Al was raised in West Paterson and graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the class 1956. He earned his varsity letter on the golf team at P.V. and went on to be nominated “Class Clown” and “Class Chatterbox!” Al stayed in close contact with many of his former high school classmates and they would gather monthly at the Wayne Hills Diner for breakfast.  He went on to serve in the U.S. Army before pursuing his higher education. He earned degrees from Newark State College, Montclair State, and eventually earned his Ph.D. from Arizona State. He was a proud member of Mensa with an IQ of 156. Al was always enthusiastic about education and knowledge, and his career as a teacher was a perfect fit for him.

Al was active with many benevolent organizations throughout his lifetime.  He was a member of the American Legion, Lions Club International, the Wayne Environmental Commission, the NJ Camp for Blind Children, and he was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Foundation of the Handicapped in Wayne.  He founded the Leo Club, a student organization sponsored by Lions International, with many Wayne student members dedicated to community service. With the Leo Club, Al organized fund raisers for the St. Joseph School for the Blind, Walk for Juvenile Diabetes, and beach cleanups at Asbury Park. He was like the Energizer Bunny; rarely slowing down.  He had a generous spirit as well, and was always enthusiastic to help others in need. Al was a caring and good person in all respects.

Al met his wife, Rosa (nee Russo) at a party in early 1983. He was smitten from the moment he met her, and called her the very next day for a date. They married later that same year, on November 22, 1983 and enjoyed a honeymoon the following summer to Hawaii. They’ve enjoyed thirty-seven years in a loving, fun, and very active marriage. Together, they traveled all over the United States, and Al has visited every state except for Alaska.  They also visited Puerto Rico several times, and took a great trip to Italy a few years back. Al particularly liked playing three card poker in Atlantic City, and they made many trips there as well. He loved life, lived it well, and will be missed by many.

Al is survived by his beloved wife, Rosa of Wayne, daughter Tammi Lynn Ruffini of Canada, two step-children; Deborah Clark of Wayne and Dan Clark of Texas, eight grandchildren; Mikaela and Noelle Wood, Stephanie, John, Robert and Daniel Critchfield, Nicholas and Danielle Clark, and one brother; Robert Ruffini and his wife Barbara of Wayne.

For those wishing to make a donation in Al’s memory, please consider the Wayne Lions Club, 782 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ  07470, or the St. Joseph’s School for the Blind, 761 Summit Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07307.