Obituary: Samuel J. Ruffino, Jr.

Samuel was born in May 1949 in Michigan and passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011, in Prescott Valley, Ariz.

"Sam" attended school in Southern California, where he played numerous sports but loved football and baseball. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Navy. Sam settled on the central coast of California, where he worked as a building contractor. Sam loved family, and had a passion for cooking and quality shoes. Sam enjoyed the little ones, both two- and four-legged. All babies and kids loved him, they would say he was the "best uncle ever," and always had little candies to give them. Last but not least, Sam loved God and was eager to tell of the peace he experienced knowing God loved and forgave him. He looked forward to going to Heaven.

Sam is survived by his former wife Diana; daughter Gina Ruffino; stepchildren Lisa and Anthony Cespedes; grandson Jacket Bond; and granddaughter Kayla Digrolamo. He is also survived by his mother, Marie Ruffino; and eight siblings, Jack Ruffino (Kitty) if Scottsdale, Ariz., Linda Stephenson (Bob) of Pismo Beach, Calif., Renee Ruffino (Gary) of California and Arizona, Steve Ruffino of Santa Maria, Calif., Jeanine Cecchi (Don) of Arroyo Grande, Calif., Rosanna Marino (Phil) of Chico, Calif., Charles Ruffino (Tracy) of Chico, Calif. and David Ruffino (Stephanie) of Chico, Calif.; as well as uncles Tony of California, Don of Michigan and Vic of Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel J Ruffino, Sr.

His final resting place will be in Phoenix, Ariz. at the Phoenix National Cemetery. (No services)

There will be a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2011, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Call 928-830-7782 for details.

There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, May 7, 2011, in Nipomo, Calif. Call 805-305-1139 for details.

Information provided by survivors.