Avon/Chili: At age 63, Tom passed peacefully on October 31, 2021 at the Houghton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Houghton, NY. He was born on November 20, 1957 in Rochester, NY. Survived by parents Earl and Beverly (Smith) Ruf of Geneseo; siblings, Sheree Ruf of Key West, FL, Laurette “Laurie” Jager of Geneseo, Jim Ruf of Geneseo, Steven (Denise) Ruf of Holley, and Gerald (Kathy) Ruf of Chili; also survived by many nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends.Hou
Tom graduated from Gates-Chili High School in 1976 and later participated in a special program at SUNY Geneseo. There he helped with new student orientation and many other activities. He was always known as a “weather watcher” and anyone that wanted to know the forecast could ask Tom. He loved to dance and always enjoyed music, especially the Moody Blues. Tom participated and won several medals in the Special Olympics. He was a resident of the Avon IRA for many years and will be missed by all that knew him.
A service for family and close friends will be held privately at the Livonia funeral home. Interment will be held privately at Morganville Cemetery, Stafford, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to Arc GLOW – In Memory of Tom Ruf, 18 Main Street, Mt. Morris, NY 14510. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
My deepest condolences to all of you. Tommy was such a pleasure to be around and I always enjoyed his company. I’m so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,Ann Marie Vought
Bev and Earl,
So sorry to just hear of your son’s passing, My deepest sympathy, and my thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Carolyn Cotton
I remember Tom I went to the lives program with him he was so funny and he liked doing the weather
We are deeply sadden to just find out the passing of Tommy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.Love you all!!!
Dan and Debbie Zanni
To Tom’s Family…I got to know Tom while on the Board for the Arc! He was a gentle soul and was always ready to help out with any new project. He volunteered through his day program for many organizations…and always with gusto and a smile! I am blessed to have known Tom. Thinking of you all at this time and wishing you great memories to help you through this sad time!
Bev and Earl, We are so sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. He was special and we have fond memories of him. God bless and be with your family at this time. Bob and Joyce Flesch
Mr and Mrs Ruf , Sheree and siblings.
My sincere condolences to all of you on the death of your son/brother. I have so many great memories of your family growing up in Bright Oaks and always remember how sweet Tommy was as we grew up. It’s been a long time , but it brought a smile thinking about those memories. May you find comfort in your memories as well. Thinking of all of you at this time of loss and sadness.Sincerely
Kathy Cullen Fish.
Mr. and Mrs. Ruf and the Ruf family, I am very sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. I have many fond memories of the Ruf cottage on Canadaigua Lake , the A frame with hundreds of steps to the lake front, and time spent with Tommy. I remember Tommy’s love of music and every time I hear “You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille” , I always think of Tommy.
I am sure the Slow Old Bowlers group welcomed Tommy in heaven. Eternal Peace.
Bev and Earl, we are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry about your loss. I have good memories of Tom from the scout troop. He always made the meeting and camp outs a fun time with him being there.
To the Ruf family
I remember Tom as a patient at the office of Dr. Spratt in Scottsville where I worked as a dental hygienist. Tom will be missed by so many and I feel privileged to have known him and your great family. My heart goes out to you and may Tom “Rest in Peace”.Kathy Smith
Dear Earl and Bev,
My prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. You gave Tom a wonderful life.
I have lovely memories of him enjoying dancing at weddings with his big smile.
Sending a warm hug to both of you.
Joan (Avery) Eckhardt
Pittsford, NY
Bev and Earl and family, clare and I send our deepest sympathy. We are thinking of you during your time of sorrow. We pray for your strength and courage. Tommy was one of the sweetest persons I’ve ever known. Beautiful picture of him??
I’m so sorry for your loss. Tom was a very unique and special person and I’m so sad to hear of his passing. My sincerest sympathy. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it, but I send my condolences.
Bev and Earl, Richard and I are sorry to hear of the passing of Tommy. Our hearts go out to you and all your family.
Bev and Earl, I am so terribly sorry to hear about the passing of your son, Tom. We send our sincere condolences to you both for your loss.So sorry! Rest In Peace Tom.
Thoughts and Prayers to Tom’s Family and Friends. I knew Tom thru Special Olympics for many years.