Mr. Donald F. Ruffatto, Sr,

Donald F. Ruffatto Sr.
Homer Glen, Illinois - Donald F. Ruffatto, Sr., 78, passed away on June 12, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on May 11, 1936, and raised in Joliet, the son of Peter and Olga (Lusciati) Ruffatto, he was a lifelong resident of Homer Glen. Mr. Ruffatto was the eldest brother of JoAnn Kapustka and Peter (Katherine) Ruffatto. In his early years, he worked with his father Peter at their family-owned business, Pete's Auto Repair, in Joliet, Illinois. On January 15, 1955 he married Nancy Jacobsen in Joliet, Illinois. Together, they raised six children: Donald Jr. (Sharon) of New Lenox, Sheryl (Jeff) Puro of New Lenox, Daniel (Barbara) of Coal City, Dianna (Kevin) of Diamond, Anthony (Natalie) of Lockport, and JoAnn of Homer Glen. He took great delight in entertaining his thirteen grandchildren, Danielle, Donald III, Ashley, Amanda, Toni, Matthew, Victoria, Zachary, Kenneth, Daniel Jr., Nicole, Olivia, and Joseph, who all called him Papa with great affection. Donald was known in the area as an established licensed breeder of small dogs, particularly Maltese and Shi Tzus. Over the years, he entertained his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends on his large property with everything from peacocks to koi ponds, ponies to turkeys, and many other furry or feathered creatures. An enthusiastic gardener, he loved planting flowers, plants, and trees around his yard. He also enjoyed hunting for treasures at local flea markets and garage sales with his daughter JoAnn. Don delighted in attending weddings and parties and could often be found on the dance floor. His zest for celebrating will forever be a part of his legacy.
His family will especially miss his love of Christmas, where he would delight everyone with his sweet, and often curious, bags of presents. He will be remembered by his family as being a kind and joyful soul with a happy smile and generous heart. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy, his parents Peter and Olga, his sister Joann, his infant grandchildren Stephen and Jacqueline Ruffatto, and his nephew Peter Lawlor. He is survived by his children and grandchildren; his niece Kimberly (Steve) Happ and his nephews Francis (Michelle) Lawlor, David Ruffatto, and Michael (Eryn) Ruffatto, all of whom will take comfort in the memories they created with him. Numerous cousins, grandnephews, grandnieces, and an aunt also survive. Family will receive friends at Goodale Memorial Chapel, 912 S. Hamilton Street, Lockport, IL 60441 on Saturday, June 21st, 2014 from 1:00 PM until time of service at 3:00 PM. Interment private. For information, 815-838-1533 or www.goodalememorialchapel.com.