Sebastian F. " Busty " Ruffini

Sebastian “ Busty “ Ruffini of Downingtown

Sebastian F. “Busty” Ruffini passed away peacefully on Thursday August 23rd, 2018, at Brandywine Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. Busty lived an exceptionally full 87 years, and got the most out of every single day of his life. He was one of a kind, and will be thought of with love and missed by his family and many friends. Busty was a fixture in Downingtown, particularly in Johnsontown, where he lived for his entire life.

He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Vice and her husband Joe, and sons Kirk Ruffini and his wife Janne, and Roch Ruffini and his wife Debra. He is also survived by grandchildren, Shelby Sandeman and husband Jim, Fallon Tunney and her husband Chris, Roch Ruffini Jr., and D. Sebastian Ruffini. There are also six great grandchildren; Noah, Fenella, River, Lucas, Sky, and Audrey. Busty is also survived by his dear love, Patty O’Reilly.

Busty was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Patricia “Patsy” Price Ruffini, as well as his parents Constantine and Mary Ruffini, and sister Nina Ruffini.

Busty had a long and diverse work life, starting with owning his own store in Johnsontown at a young age, followed by working at Chemical Leaman and then Metropolitan Life. In 1974, Busty and his wife took a leap of faith and left their jobs to start up the “Thorndale Piazza Deli”. Due to their hard work and exceptional personalities, it was a huge success. They went on to open “Ruffini’s Restaurant” which both Pat and Busty retired. Anyone who knows him knows that retirement slowed him down not one bit; he went on to work for Krapf buses and volunteered at Brandywine Hospital.

Busty knew how to have fun, as well. He enjoyed showing his classic cars at shows and traveled extensively. His favorite travel destination was Italy, where he had close relationships with his many Italian relatives. Busty boated on the Chesapeake, earned a piloting license, and enjoyed alarming everyone when he rode his motorcycle.

The family and Patty extend sincere thanks to the ICU nurses, respiratory therapists, Dr. Satriale, and his dialysis nurse Shirley at Brandywine. The care that he received was both highly professional and compassionate.

A visitation for Busty will take place on Wed. eve from 5 to 8  PM at the James J. Terry Funeral Home 736 E. Lancaster Ave, Downingtown and again Thursday morning from 9 to 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Church 338 Manor Ave Downingtown, followed by his Mass at 11 AM.

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Downingtown. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Sebastian F. " Busty " Ruffini, please visit our Tree Store.