Frank “Bill” Ruffeno  1932-2022

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Frank “Bill” Ruffeno of Mineola passed away Sunday, April 17, 2022 at age 89. Bill was born in Stafford on June 20, 1932 and was raised in Holy Family Catholic Church. He graduated from Missouri City High School in 1949 and shortly after met the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Dorothy Jean Lamb. They were married on Aug. 30, 1952 at Immaculate Conception Church in Houston. 

Bill worked for The Southland Corporation in Dallas for 35 years and he had a very successful career with the company. He served in numerous key positions over the years that included leading the expansion of 7-Eleven stores along the East Coast of the U.S., entry into the European market and field operations manager for North America. Bill retired in 1986, and he and Dorothy moved to Mineola, where they have lived for the past 35 years.

Bill was actively involved at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church and in the Knights of Columbus. He served two terms as president of the Pastoral Council, served on the Finance Committee, was a ministry scheduler and a lector. Bill was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus for Council 11933 and was a charter member since 1997. He was also an active member of the Executive Hunting Club since 1974.

Bill was a wonderful person who had a strong belief and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He had a great love for family, a deep caring for others and loved to garden, fish and play cards. He was known for beating most anyone at a game of gin. His warmth, compassion and straightforward outlook on life will always be remembered. We love him and will miss him greatly.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Ruffeno of Mineola; brother, Mac Ruffeno of Columbus; brother, Martin Ruffeno of Sugarland; daughters, Debbie Ruffeno McAllister and husband Larry of Chocowinity, N.C., Cindy Ruffeno Johns and husband Phillip of Dallas and Sandy Ruffeno Pevey and husband Scott of Edmond, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his son, Richard Charles Ruffeno of Dallas.

He left a legacy of seven beloved grandchildren (Melissa, Cristina, Preston, Courtney, Zach, Dylan and Jace) and nine great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and dear friends, but especially by his sweet dog, Buddy.

A Rosary and viewing was held on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 7 p.m. at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola. A funeral Mass was held Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic church in Mineola. Following the Mass, interment was held at Roselawn Cemetery in Mineola.

Any memorial donations can be made to St. Peter’s where Bill spent many hours attending service, frying fish and mowing the lawn.