Michael C. Ruffolo

Michael Carmen Ruffolo was born on July 26, 1941 in Marano Principato, Italy to Luigi and Carmela (Debartolo) Ruffolo. To their union, seven (7) were born, of which six (6) survived to adulthood: Achille, Gelsomina, Mario, Mike, Frances and Jerry. His parents immigrated to the United States with the family in 1956, landing first in Kenosha, WI before settling in San Bernardino County. His father worked for Don’s Shoe Repair (Highland Avenue, San Bernardino) as a shoemaker/repairman. Michael graduated from Colton High School (c. 1959), where he was on the wrestling team.

Interestingly, and quite unlike his peers, even as a young man he was concerned about the future, and even purchased life insurance at age 18. But, very typical of Italian immigrants of that era, he loved the U.S., worked diligently to learn his new language and wanted to join the Army. Eventually, he went into construction and later, for the San Hi and Del Rosa Lanes. It was while he was at San Hi where his friend, Gary introduced him to his date, Kay Frances Kommerstad. They dated for about 18 months before they were married on April 25, 1965. They had a nice honeymoon to Catalina and visited the Southern California beaches.

In 1983, Michael was in a very serious accident in which he very nearly lost his life. Taken to San Bernardino County trauma center, he was stabilized before being transferred to St. Bernardine Medical Center. During the course of his initial treatment, he had to receive several units of blood, and at least one of them was tainted with Hepatitis C, which he acquired. It has been a very difficult time for Michael and Kay over the past several years. Kay and Michael made radical changes to their lifestyle to accommodate the demands of his condition. His level of pain has been almost unbearable at times and Kay continues to be grateful and find confidence in her faith that Michael’s earthly pain is now over and that he now rests in anticipation of eternal life.

In spite of things he experienced and confronted in life, Michael was a very simple guy, with simple needs and interests. He had a great smile and he knew how to have fun. He possessed an abundance of genuine love and goodwill toward others. To acknowledge it is to offer a suitable tribute to his memory. He enjoyed bowling, antique cars, poker card games, and cooking.

He was a lifetime member of The Knights of Columbus and The Elks Club. He is survived by his wife, Kay of fifty two years, his siblings Frances Smith of Huntington Beach, California, Jerry Ruffolo of Highland, California, extended family in Canada, friends and neighbors who loved him very much.