William J. Ruffing, retired manager

William Joseph Ruffing, 94 of Millsboro, formerly of Newark, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, at his home.

He was born Nov. 30, 1919, in Locust Gap, Pa., son of the late Joseph and Emma Ruffing. Bill proudly served his country during World War II serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After returning home from the war he married his beloved wife of 65 years, Irene Marie Lisiewski. He moved to Newark in 1968 and began working for the University of Delaware, retiring as the manager at the Goodstay Center in 1986. Bill was a faithful fan of the University of Delaware football team where he held season tickets for a number of years. After retirement, Bill and Irene settled in beautiful lower Delaware.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife Irene Marie Ruffing; a daughter, Maryellen Ruffing; two sisters, Mary Ruffing and Pat Kelly; and a granddaughter. He is survived by three children, Jack Ruffing, Janet Maurer and Richard Ruffing; a brother, Charles Ruffing; a sister Jean Kovaleski; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, 30839 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, where friends and family may call after 10 a.m. A committal service will be held at noon, Wednesday, Aug. 20, at All Saints' Catholic Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Bill’s name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com