Lawrence "Vinny" V. Ruff

The greatest measure of a man is not measured in the the crucible of imperfections, but rather, in the metamorphoses of what he becomes. We're all broken. However, that's how the light gets in. On February 19, 1990 Vinny Ruff found the courage and wisdom to change the things he could. Vinny was humble. He kept it simple, and was the diamond in the rough, who, stepped in, accepted and blended two families with his witty charm and dedication that could do no wrong. Vinny was a jokester who exuded kindness and knew what you put out in the world comes back to you because he always had a seat for you...

On the morning of Friday, June 3, 2016, through the darkest night, today rose the morning star, "uncle Vinny" passed away peacefully at his home in Bellmawr and the Ruff families were granted the serenity to accept the things they could not change.

Lawrence V. "Vinny" Ruff, Sr. was born in Bristol, PA and had been a longtime Mt. Ephraim and Bellmawr, NJ resident. Vinny had contributed to the manpower of our nation and together with his friends; Ted, Dominic, Ralph & Chick enlisted and Vinny uphold the ideals of our American Freedoms flagging aircraft in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. He worked as a warehouseman for White Westinghouse in Huntingdon Valley, PA for many years and started every day's routine with a donut and coffee. Vinny enjoyed camping, antique cars and was an avid bowler who was in the Fellowship league for over 28 years where he served as the Sunday night flipper. "Uncle Vinny" was a friend, sponsor, leader and inspiration, at the K.I.S.S. Club in Woodbury who would help anyone celebrate the day. He was a lifelong member, past President and Treasurer who organized bike runs, barbeques and talent shows among many other things. At home, Vinny enjoyed pinochle, the sounds of the oldies and embraced the coming of age tradition of taking his children for their first tattoo at Headlight Harry's in Westville. Vinny knew that a bad day of fishing was better than a good day of work but it was really his wisdom that made those fishing trips worth all the while. Keep it simple, there's no easy way to do this. So do it right; weep, laugh, watch, pray, love, live, give thanks and praise, comfort, mend, honor and remember...

Vinny leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 27 years , Pat (nee Fine) Ruff of Bellmawr. He is the the father of; Dawn & her husband Bubba Hall of Clayton, Kelley & her husband Marty Seitz of Mt. Ephraim, Lawrence V., Jr. "Buddy" & his wife Ali of Barrington, Steven & his wife Allison of Blackwood, Michael & his wife Chrissy of Blackwood and Jeff McAdams of Scranton, PA. He is the proud grandfather of 15 and great grandfather of 5. He is also survived and will be sadly missed by his furry kids Maggie and Max as well as his brother Chickie Ruff.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the Ruff families to remember Vinny, celebrate 26 years, 105 days sober and pay tribute to a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend who enjoyed keeping it simple on Wednesday morning between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm at Henry Funeral Home 152 W. Atlantic Ave. where a ceremony of remembrance will begin at 12:00 pm. The time honored tradition of reuniting those we love with nature will be held privately. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the K.I.S.S. Club 818 N. Broad St. Woodbury, NJ 08096