Silvestro Ruffolo

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Silvestro “Sil” Ruffolo

April 14, 1934 – February 24, 2021

Silvestro “Sil” Ruffolo, 86 of Plantation, FL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on February 24, 2021.

Sil was born April 14, 1936 in Italy as an American citizen to Salvatore Ruffolo and Marietta Cardemone Ruffolo of Calabria, Italy.

Sil was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. In 1964, Sil married Carmela Ruffolo and is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years and their four children, John Ruffolo and his wife Kelly Ruffolo, Mike Ruffolo and his wife Beth Ruffolo, Lisa McDonald and her husband Bart McDonald and Mary Orme and her husband Steve Orme.

In addition, Sil is survived by his ten loving grandchildren: Brittany Ruffolo, Trent Ruffolo, Makenzie Ruffolo, Chelsea Ruffolo, Cody Ruffolo, Connor Ruffolo, Carlie Ruffolo, Sophia McDonald, Austin Orme, and Gavin Orme. He is also survived by his brothers, Luigi and Italo, many nieces and nephews and predeceased by his sister Louisa. No matter the distance, Sil loved his family and remained close.

Sil started his long-standing career at Motorola in Chicago, IL. While working at Motorola in Chicago he also owned and ran a hair studio and dance studio before he was married. He moved with his family to Plantation, FL in 1971 when he was transferred to the new Motorola plant where he had a wonderful career, retiring after 50 years of service. During his tenure at Motorola he received the special honor of carrying the Olympic torch in the 1996 Summer Atlanta Olympics.

In his younger years, Sil was an avid boxer, making it all the way to the Golden Glove finals in his weight category. From then on, he was a fan of the sport, watching and teaching whenever he could.

Sil learned his boxing moves from his time on the dance floor with his wife Carmela where they danced the night away as the dancing duo team. For 56 years they shared everything life can offer – together. Together they raised a loving family, Sil was a proud Papa.

Sil was involved with coaching his kids in all sports from baseball to soccer, to softball; never missing a game. He was known around the city as “coach” to not only his kids but many. Sil carried on this tradition by going to all his grandkids events and sports as well. He was a permanent fixture at the field, he loved being with and talking to people.

When Sil wasn’t coaching he was videotaping every sporting event and holiday. You won’t see him in any pictures because he was always behind the camera. We didn’t know at the time how precious those memories would be.

A favorite pastime was playing cards with his wife Carmela and friends. They were a team to be reckoned with. Sil taught all his kids and grandkids the love of cards. A fun family time, with late nights and treasured memories for all. And let’s not forget all the late-night calls and football bets with the kids!!

Another love of Sil’s was gardening. He had a love of plants and being outdoors. He especially loved fishing with the grandkids out back by the lake.

Those that knew Sil were better for having known him. He was always there for you, doing anything for family, friends and even those he barely knew. We will always remember that special smile and caring heart he gave to his family and those around him.

Sil will be greatly missed by all and is forever in our hearts.

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Visitation -  T.M. Ralph Funeral Home, located at 7001 NW 4^th St., Plantation, FL 33317; phone (954) 587 – 6888 on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, from 6 – 8 pm.  Prayer Service will be at 6:00PM 

Funeral Mass - St. Bernard Catholic Church, located at 8279 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33322; phone (954)741-4800 on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 11:00 am.

Cemetery Location – Immediately following mass we will proceed to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, located at 1500 South St. Rd. 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068; phone (954) 972-1234 (Not Fort Lauderdale, if put in GPS and to Fort Lauderdale it will be a different location)

The Funeral service will be live streamed for others to attend Thursday, March 4^th, at St. Bernard Catholic Church at 11:00 AM EST. – will have an option to join starting at 10:45 am. Link is located at top of this obituary. 

Flowers or in lieu thereof, please donate to  St Judes Children's Research Hospital Please add a special tribute to designate  in memory of Silvestro Ruffolo.

Updated information will be provided regarding the streaming of the Mass as it becomes available.