John Henry Ruffin

John Henry Ruffin, son of the late Joseph and Mary Elizabeth Ruffin was born on September 28, 1941 in Williamston, NC. He departed this life on Sunday, December 13, 2020 surrounded by his family. John received his formal education in the Williamston, NC Public School System. He relocated to New Canaan, CT in 1956 with his family and moved to Norwalk in the Summer of 1970. He was employed by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation in the Maintenance Department for 23 years. John was baptized on January 1, 1980 and was a faithful member of Community Baptist Church of New Canaan, where he served as the President of the Usher Board, member of the Men’s Choir, Mixed Choir, Men’s Ministry and Sexton. John was an avid gardener and fisherman. John could always be found sitting under his peach tree by the garden, either snacking on fresh peaches or enjoying a mid-afternoon nap. He enjoyed spending time with his family and sharing a good laugh or two with his family and friends. Left to cherish fond memories is his wife of 53 years, Annie Montgomery Ruffin, two sons, Vincent and Jonathan of Norwalk, and one daughter, Nicole of Norwalk. One daughter-in-law, Tara Todd, two sisters, Esther Joseph of Yonkers, NY and Vivian (Paul) Powell of Benton Harbor, MI, six sisters-in-laws, Peggy Ruffin, Norwalk, CT, Carolyn Ruffin of Williamston, NC, Margie Ruffin of Stamford, CT, Patricia Clemons, Minnie Fair and Jenell (Eugene) Thompson all of Gaffney, SC and brother-in-law, Charles Montgomery. Affectionately known as “Uncle Johnny” to many, John also leaves; four grandsons, Jay, Noah, Torin and Jeremiah and two granddaughters, Briana and Katherine Ann and Godchildren, TJ Smith and Paige Davis. Uncle Johnny had a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends that he had a very special relationship with. John was predeceased by five brothers, Joseph Jr, Willie, Christopher, Jimmy and Harold Ruffin, and four sisters, Ethel Davis, Martha Thompson, Marie Grant, and Jane Smith. John’s family will receive friends on Saturday, December 19, 2020 from 12:00-1:00p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 174 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT. A Memorial Service will begin promptly at 1:00pm. (Due to COVID restrictions, only 25 attendees, masks and social distance required.) The Ruffin family is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. John Ruffin Memorial Service Time: Dec 19, 2020 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88621579879?pwd=NWtMd2I5RWRJYytPaS9aclh4OVVmQT09 Meeting ID: 886 2157 9879 Passcode: 598889

Tributes

John Henry Ruffin

September 28, 1941 - December 13, 2020