Donald Ruffin

Donald Ruffin, 90, of Woodbridge, NJ died April 18, 2023. Memorial Service were held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at St. James AME Zion Church, Perth Amboy, NJ at 10am. A TIME TO BE BORN - Donald Ruffin was born, March 1, 1933, in Elizabeth, NJ to the late Claudine (Deenie) Ruffin Hunt. Donald was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Ann Hudson. A TIME TO LEARN - Donald received his early education at the Historic Court Street School, in Freehold, NJ. He graduated from University College, in New Brunswick, NJ. A TIME TO ENJOY – He was a member of the ELKS, Pride of Perth Amboy #1183, I.P.B.O.W. Donald was an avid card player and enjoyed playing cards at Shorty’s Short Stop with the old timers, every week. A TIME TO TOIL – Donald was an Army and Navy Veteran. He retired from the Division of Family Services, in Edison, NJ. He worked for SERV Behavioral Health, in North Brunswick, NJ and was employed by the State of NJ, the Division on Civil Rights, in Newark and Paterson, NJ. He was instrumental in getting 4 swimming pools in different locations of the city. In 1970, he was elected President of the Black Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Perth Amboy. He was employed by Model City in Perth Amboy, NJ as the Real Income Specialist. A TIME FOR LOVING – In 1960, Donald met and fell in love with Lois Lane, and they were married in 1966. They were blessed with the birth of Anthony Ruffin. He was also blessed with Malcolm Ruffin and Gerard Mayes. Donald confessed and accepted Jesus Christ, as his Savior. A TIME TO BE BORN, A TIME TO DIE and A TIME TO MOURN – On April 18, 2023, after a long illness, Donald expired at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Rahway, NJ. He went home to Glory, entering into eternal rest. All of his Love Ones will miss him but we “PRAISE the LORD”, for he is at peace, no pain and in his righteousness. He leaves a legacy to cherish his memory. His loving wife Lois, of Perth Amboy; eldest son, Gerard (Tag) Mayes of Neptune, NJ; Malcolm Ruffin of Cleveland, OH; Anthony (Joyce) Ruffin of Perth Amboy, NJ; DeQuan Carreker, of Brooklyn, NY; sisters, Bernice Brooks of Virginia Beach, VA and Carolyn Tonic (Norman) of Burlington, NJ; sisters-in-law, Ann (Felix) Williams, of Woodbridge, VA; Denise Lane, of Las Vegas, NV and Linda Mandikas of Ghanna, OH; and brother-in-law, Ralph Harris; grandchildren, Chevay & Malcolm Jr. of Cleveland, OH, Nyasia Ruffin of Edison, NJ, Latishai, Samora, Kassidy and Jayla, of Linden, NJ; nephews and nieces; Lyn Mayes of Tampa, FL, Felicia Harris of Dayton, NJ, Stephanie (Hector) Benjamin of Somerset, NJ, Monique and Shakira Idlett of Miami, FL, Patricia and Martin Lane, Jr. of Linden and Roselle, NJ, Andre Mayes of Virginia, Rodney Hunt of Trenton, NJ, Todd Harris of New Brunswick, NJ, LaToya Pearson and RaJohn McMillan, and a host of cousins and friends.

Donald Ruffin

March 1, 1933 - April 18, 2023