Donald L. Ruffing
May 21, 1944 ~ September 6, 2025
Born in:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Resided in:
Herndon, Virginia
Donald Lawrence Ruffing passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 6, 2025, at age 81. Don was born on May 21, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
After Graduating from Penn Hills High School his career involved a wide variety of interests, including advertising, real estate sales, employment services, and income tax preparer. He retired from Northwest Airlines after nineteen years of service.
Don’s love of travel started early in his life. He had a fun-loving spirit and sense of adventure that led him to engage in new experiences and exploration of the world. When Don was twenty-four years old, he obtained a pilot’s license for Cessna Aircraft. Over the years he became an accomplished scuba diver. He and his cousin George Boyle are documented divers and marine photographers. As part of his career with the Airlines, Sibyl and Don traveled worldwide to Japan, Europe, Guam, Croatia, and Italy, especially loving Saint Martin. They enjoyed living in Florida and spending summers in Pennsylvania for many years.
Don married his wife of forty-two years, Sibyl Shy, in 1982. He embraced her three daughters, Kathy Montague, Rebecca Killen (Ray), and Jennifer Kline (Michael) as his family. He loved having fun with his five Grandchildren, Jaclyn (Nick) Kline, Adam Killen, Lauren (Paul) Baker, Katey (Sunny) Siluma and Noah (Taylor) Killen and his seven great grandchildren, Lilah Killen, Jack Baker, Brooks Baker, Ellie Baker, Ryley Siluma, Marie Weeks and Graham Weeks.
Don was the youngest of nine children. He was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Catherine (Boyle) Ruffing and his siblings, Larry (Ruth) Ruffing, Leo (Theresa) Ruffing, Jim (Jeannette) Ruffing, Betty (Richard) DePaul, Lois (Joe) Miller, Alice (Peter) Petrulo. He is survived by his brothers, Jack (Marcia) Ruffing and Gil Ruffing. Don loved spending time with his twenty-nine nieces and nephews. They held a special place in his heart.
An avid storyteller, he shared his life experiences with wisdom, humor, and wit. He never knew a stranger and loved to make new connections and friends.
Don was an active long-time member of the Variety Club of Pittsburgh; a charity that supports children with disabilities. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Variety Club of Pittsburgh. https://www.varietypittsburgh.org/ or Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date.
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Bob Gallagher
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Uncle Don was my Dad’s youngest brother (Dad was the oldest) so there were many years between them. In fact, Don was only 5 years older than me, making him seem more like a cousin to me, than an uncle. When my parents were dating (and later newlyweds) Don was just a toddler and they used to take him places with them–causing most people to think he was their own kid. They all got a kick out of telling that story. Although we mostly lived in different parts of the country, we were delighted to visit with Don & Sybil in Florida during a few or our recent RV trips. Our favorite visit was after one of the Pittsburgh reunions, when they invited Michael and me out to Somerset to stay in the round house. It was a magical place and seemed like we were in a fairy tale out there in the woods. Reading Don’s obituary reminds me of what a full life he lived, with many good memories for his family to cherish. So sorry I was unable to locate any photos on my pc, but when they pop up from time to time in my facebook memories, I will be sure to send them along.