Obituary of Josephine M. "Peppy" Ruffalo

FRANKFORT - Mrs. Josephine M. "Peppy" Ruffalo, age 92, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away peacefully in her sleep early Thursday morning, September 14, 2017, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. 

Born on December 16, 1924, Josephine was the daughter of the late Philip and Concetta (Feduccia) Tuzzolino. She was raised and educated in Frankfort and continued her education at Herkimer County Community College, where she studied accounting. For many years, she was employed with Corrado’s Feed Mill, and it was while working there that she caught the eye of Mr. John Ruffalo. On December 26, 1970, the two were married out of St. Mary’s Church and shared in a close bond and loving union until John’s untimely passing on October 23, 1972.

Although Peppy was widowed at a young age and never had any children of her own, she was a driving force in the lives of her nieces and nephews and was truly like a second mother to them. She was always up for a good time and enjoyed a good laugh every moment that she could.

Generous and giving by nature, she dedicated herself to her family, friends and community. For a time she worked at St. Mary’s School as a secretary and was adored by the students and faculty alike. She also held a position as a clerk with the Village of Frankfort, taught Religious Education, and was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Apostles.  She held memberships with the Young at Heart Senior Citizens and with the Altar Rosary Society.

In her free-time Peppy could be found with a camera in her hand, and although she never mastered the skill, she truly loved photography. She was well-versed, intelligent and knowledgeable. She was also an avid reader with an extensive book collection. Most of all, she brightened the day of everyone she came across and although her earthly presence is gone, she will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

She is survived by her sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Sportello of Frankfort and Celia and Richard Averson of Herkimer; as well as many special nieces, nephews and cousins, too numerous to mention.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Sister Mary Concepta Tuzzolino, Rose and Jack Ahern, Ann and Angelo Congilaro, and Anthony and Phyllis Tuzzolino; and her brother-in-law, Joseph Sportello.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Peppy's visitation on Monday, September 18, 2017 from 5:00PM - 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Her funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning, September 19, 2017, at 9:45AM at the funeral home and at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Leo Potvin. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery where Josephine will be laid to rest beside her husband, John, after almost 45 years apart from him. 

A special thank you is extended to the staff of Valley Health Services for their excellent care and compassion shown to Peppy throughout her last years.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, 412 South Frankfort Street, Frankfort, NY 13340. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Josephine's sisters and family have entrusted the planning of her final farewell to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors.