Robert C. Ruffing was born on September 16, 1935, in Clairton, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Elmer and Margaret Ruud Ruffing.
Bob as he was affectionately known to his family and friends, graduated from Clairton High School in Clairton, Pennsylvania. Being a strong swimmer, Bob started his employment at Clairton Parks & Recreation as a lifeguard for the City of Clairton Public Pool. With practice and determination, he became a skillful diver joining the varsity Clairton High School diving team. That team brought home the State Championship for the City of Clairton School District. Bob attended the Community College of Allegheny County. He was later employed at U.S. Steel Corporation - Irvin Works, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania from which he retired.
On January 20, 1956, Bob married the late Colleen Gillingham, they were married for forty-nine wonderful years, and from that union, three beautiful children were birthed. The word states in Genesis 2:18: Now the Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone:” Bob married Gloria Bostick Ford on October 27, 2007. They were married for thirteen glorious years.
Bob was a devoted father supporting his son and his sports activities. So much so, that Bob became the baseball coach for the Clairton Bengals Little League Team. Bob never missed a game his son played, whether it was basketball or baseball. In his spare time, Bob loved to golf. He was an active member in the league at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club. He was also a member of the mason’s order, Omni 582 Free and Accepted Masons of Dravosburg, Pennsylvania.
If we had to use an adjective to describe Bob, one would say that he was an all-around good guy with a great sense of humor. Bob loved to dance, laugh, and have a good time. He was known for his special eye wink. Bob would say one thing, then he would wink, and the meaning would change.
Galatians 3:27 says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Bob was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church on December 31, 2007 under the leadership of the Associate Pastor, Reverend Crawford James. He was a faithful member and supporter of his wife’s ministry.
“It is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him” 2 Timothy 2:11. Monday, February 8, 2021, Bob gave his last wink then transitioned home to live with God. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Colleen M. Ruffing; son, Shawn Ruffing; brothers, Arthur Ruffing, William Ruffing, and Jack Ruffing.
He was loved by many and will always be remembered by his loving wife, Gloria Ruffing; children, Gregg (Kathy) Ruffing, and Heidi (Venard) Campbell; brother, Gary (Kathy) Ruffing; stepsons, Marvin “Hidy” (Yvonne) Bostick, and Jonathan (Daisy) Bostick; daughter-in-law, Sherry Ruffing; sisters-in-law, Betty Jane Thompson, Harriet (Stewart) Tobe-Schley, Nancy Ruffing, Norma Ruffing, and Carol Ruffing; brother-in-law, Gordan Williams; grandchildren, Mindy Campbell (Jonathan McLain), Sam Ruffing, Robert Ruffing, Morgan (Joseph) Moran, Mitchell Campbell, and Ryan Ruffing; great-grandchildren, Jameson Moran, Graham Moran, and Kingsley McLain; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends.
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