LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Anthony C. Ruffo, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Anthony C. Ruffo of Binghamton, New York, died on January 20,
2014, at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Anthony C. Ruffo, affectionately known as Tony, was born on
August 17, 1924, in Binghamton, New York, to Sam and Marion Ruffo; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Binghamton Central High School in 1942,
he enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman serving in both
the European and Pacific Theaters during WWII; and
WHEREAS, For his bravery Anthony C. Ruffo was awarded the Combat
Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star for Valor, and received a Battle Field
Commission at the Battle of the Bulge by General George S. Patton, an
honor which was forever a great source of pride to him; and
WHEREAS, After being discharged from active military service, Anthony
C. Ruffo continued to serve his country as a member of the New York
Army National Guard, serving as Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion 108th
Infantry, retiring with the admirable rank of Colonel; and
WHEREAS, Anthony C. Ruffo married his high school sweetheart, Joan
Simeck, and together they raised five children on Binghamton's West
Side; and
WHEREAS, Anthony C. Ruffo distinguished himself in service to both the
military and civil law enforcement and also by his sincere dedication
and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Anthony C. Ruffo's dedication to civic life began when he
joined the Binghamton City Police Department as a motorcycle policeman;
he held numerous positions over the years, including those in the Detec-
tive and Juvenile Division and in Community Relations and Training; and
WHEREAS, Retiring from the Binghamton Police Department after 30 years
of service, his reputation for outstanding probity and diligence helped
him win election as Sheriff of Broome County in 1980, an esteemed posi-
tion in which he ably served for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Anthony C. Ruffo's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Anthony C. Ruffo served many years as the Chairman of the
Annual Police Toys for Tots Campaign and as Chairman of the Binghamton
Police Benevolent Association; he also worked tirelessly as the Presi-
dent of the Binghamton Police Athletic League Day Camp serving local
youth in the community; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Sam and Marion Ruffo; his loving
wife, Joan (Simeck) Ruffo; brothers, Andrew, Frank, and Tom Ruffo;
brother-in-law, William Lasky; sister and brother-in-law, Lena and
Raymond Simeck; and two sons-in-law, Clifford Wright and David Matthews;
Anthony C. Ruffo is survived by his children, Linda Wright (Harry)
Taylor, Dr. Sam (Sandra) Ruffo, Nancy (Carmen) DiRienzo, Christine
Matthews, and Antionette (David) Mikol; 15 grandchildren, Dr. Wendy
Wright (Brandon) Seigler, Dr. Anthony (Taylor) Wright, Kelly Wright,
Nicole (Todd) Kariam, Anthony (Kristina) Ruffo, Dr. Eric (Jamie) Ruffo,
Andrew (Nicole) Ruffo, Johanna (Tom) Burkhardt, Christopher (Jamie
Canfield) DiRienzo, Stacey (Dusty) Root, Kimberly (Michelangelo)
Belnome, Nicholas DiRienzo, David (Erin) Matthews, Lisa (Mike) Knewas-
ser, and Jennifer Mikol; 29 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Char-

lene Lasky, Edith Ruffo, Esther Ruffo, Jeanne Ruffo; and brothers and
sisters-in-law, James (Josie) Simeck, and Joseph (Anita) Simeck; as well
as several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Anthony C. Ruffo leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Anthony C. Ruffo, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Anthony C. Ruffo.