Gabriel D. “Gabe” Ruffolo Jr., age 80, of Kenosha passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2019 surrounded by his family. Gabe was born on July 23, 1939 in Kenosha to Gabriel and Caroline (Gentile) Ruffolo Sr. He attended local schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1957. Gabe attended UW-Parkside for two years and graduated from Barber School in 1962. He served in the United States Army National Guard. He served in Port Ord, CA, Ft. Lewis, WA and during the Berlin Crisis. He married Carol Cashman in 1963 and the couple later divorced. Gabe was the co-owner of Ruffolo’s Hair Studio for over 50 years until his retirement in 2013. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Italian American Club, Italian Community Center in Milwaukee, the Italian Professional Association, the Hairstylists Association and was Barber of the Year in 1972. Gabe enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, wintering in Florida and spending time at his second home in Wisconsin Dells.
He was preceded in death by, his parents; sister, Catherine Sturino; special step-mother, Florence Ruffolo; very special grandmother, Carolina Ruffolo; grandfather, Domenico Ruffolo and maternal grandparents, Louis and Catherine Gentile.
Gabe is survived by, a son, Gabriel (Janet) Ruffolo; two daughters, Gina (James) Walker and Dina (Dean) Hubrich; eight grandchildren, Devin (Jessica) Wilson, Nathan Wade, Adriana Wade, Katelyn (Ryan) Knudsen, Enzo Daniel, Thomas Ruffolo, Nina Hernandez and Anthony Ruffolo; four great grandchildren, Melody Wade, Kayleb Sterling, Mason Knudsen and Mackenzie Wilson; a brother, Richard Ruffolo; a sister, Olivia Sturino, his special friend Phyllis Helms, as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.
The family would like to thank all who cared for him over the his last few months including; Dr. James Santarelli, Dr. Malik Bandealy, and the hospice nurses Shirley & Kathryn at Aurora Home Care.
Funeral services for Gabe will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at the Kemper Center (6501 – 3rd Avenue). A visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday at the Kemper Center from 3:00 P.M. until the time of service. Inurnment with full military honors will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be greatly appreciated.
Jackie Brown says:
My sincere condolences to the entire family for your loss!
Donna Juzwik says:
So very sorry for your loss. Have was a Special Guy with a big heart. He was a lot of fun. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Sheryl Hatcher says:
Thinking of you and your family during this most difficult time. Always know your friends will be there to listen to you, give big hugs to you, and give you caramel corn when needed. Love you Gina!
Elisa Ruer says:
So sorry for your loss.
Your father was an amazing person and always made my soul happy when he came to visit you Gabe at work.
Dominic Ruffalo says:
What a great. Cousin we always would say I’m a Ruffolo and you got it wrong your a Ruffalo
Deborah Stoner says:
Gabe your kind sense of humor will live on through memories… I knew you professionally and what a blessing for me … you’re a dear man who helped so many … Rest In Peace sweet Gabe
Julie n Merle Phillips says:
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Gabe was a very kind and fun man. Knew him through our Adult swim at the pool at Camp Delton Club. He was a joy to have around.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Jullie says:
Randy and Julie Disterhaft
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.. Camp will not be the same with out you
Peter Pingitore Sr. says:
To Gabe Jr., Dina & Gina, and your families,
I can’t tell you how sorry we all were to hear of Gabe’s passing. We have such fond memories of you all living next door on 30th Avenue years ago. Gabe was so good to our Mom, and would help out whenever needed, and tease her affectionately. We watched you grow up, too. He was just a gem of a guy. We’re not able to make his memorial, but wanted to share our affection for you all, and let you know that we’re praying that the Lord would surround you with His peace and love at this difficult time. Blessings to you all.
Peter Pingitore Sr.
Tim Reidenbach says:
Ruffolo family
So sorry for your loss. I was just remembering the times camping all the trailers he had and issues with almost all of them always raining when he went and his shoe melting along the fire pit
Susan (Ruffalo) Purnell says:
So so sorry for your loss! There was no one like Gabe! His smile, energy and zest for life would light up the room, so much like my Dads did! I was so blessed to have him as my Cumba! Hold onto the memories!
Michelle Mitchell says:
I’m so sorry for your loss, heaven gained a wonderful angel, I was so blessed to have known Gabe through the years as I worked for the limo service. He was an amazing, funny and outspoken person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief.
lori veh says:
Gabe Jr.,Gina and Dina and families,
We are so sorry that your father/grandfather has passed away.
May you find comfort during this difficult time with the memories you each have.
Unfortunately we are unable to make Gabe’s service.
Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers as you lay him to rest.
Much Love,
Steve and Lori (Thuemmler) Veh
Gail Greco-Bieri says:
Gabe jr, Dina and Gina
We regret that we are not able to join you to celebrate your Dad’s life and the wonderful blessing he was for this world. We all have many fantastic memories of enjoying life with Gabe. We send you our deepest condolences and lots of love from all of us in Michigan. We are sorry we were not able to join you today. Peace Love and Blessings
Bernice, Gail, David, Dan and Paul Greco