John G. Ruffo, 70, of Lake Placid, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at home.

He was the son of Priscilla (Gray) and Gino Ruffo, and was born on August 6, 1947, in Springfield, Massachusetts. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. When he completed his time in the Army, he became a firefighter for the City of Westfield, Massachusetts, and among the many commendations he received was the Medal of Valor in 1980 for performance beyond the call of duty. John retired from the Westfield Fire Department after 30 years of service. He moved to Lake Placid from Massachusetts 12 years ago.

For many years of his life, John enjoyed motorcycling and boating. Known for his quick wit and hearty laugh, he was a neighborly man and loyal friend. He was also an avid reader and history buff, as well as an outdoorsman, who was even known to feed the local birds from time to time. Many of those who knew John well have described him as having "a heart of gold." He will be dearly missed.

John is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Susan; daughter Keri Finnie and husband Ed of Westfield, MA; daughter Amy Ruffo and husband Jason Loewenstein of Brooklyn, NY; and two grandchildren, Jack and Lara Finnie. He also leaves two brothers, James (and wife Germaine) and Michael (and wife Barbara); three sister-in-laws, Shelly Byron, Debby Wyman, and Emma Bush; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and one brother. John will be interred in Massachusetts at a later date.