On November 9, 2020 and at the age of 86, Carmelo Louis Ruffo unexpectedly left his earthly body and received his Crown of Righteousness when he went to be with the Lord in Heaven for eternity!

Carmelo was the first born son to Louis Ruffo and Adelina Palmieri Ruffo on March 10, 1934.

Carmelo loved his family with all his heart.  His many aunts and uncles loved Carmelo as well.

Carmelo's Italian heritage and Catholic faith gave him his purpose and reason for living.  He exuded joy and happiness!

Until recently, you could find Carmelo every Sunday morning at San Francesco di Paola Church for Mass and then at Good Time Charlies after services except the days when Spaghetti Dinners happened.  On those days, you would find Carmelo doing whatever was necessary to make the dinners successful.

Carmelo lived a life a service and exemplified the motto of the San Francescanis, Charitas, which is the Latin word that means Love.

One example of Carmelo's service was cleaning the church with Blasé Pantuso and Gene Guido.

Carmelo was a member of the UNICO, Christopher Columbus Italian Society, and the San Franciscanis.

When Carmelo earned The San Franciscanis highest honor, Man of the Year, he counted that has his highest achievement for his years of love and service to his church.

Over the last few years, Carmelo resided at Golden Estates where he was loved by both residents and staff alike.  In fact, the residents named Carmelo the King of Fiesta one year.

As a resident of Golden Estates, Carmelo competed in the Senior Olympics held at Blossom Athletic Center.  He earned a 2nd place medal for speed race and for his artwork.

Nothing stopped Carmelo. He was determined and passionate in everything he did.

Carmelo is preceded in death by his parents Louis Ruffo and Adelina Palmieri, his twin brother Alfonso Anthony Ruffo, his sister in law, Rose Marie Monaco Ruffo, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Carmelo is survived by his nephew Kenneth John Ruffo; his niece, Julie Rose Ruffo de la Rosa and her husband Charlie de la Rosa; his great nephew Daniel Louis de la Rosa, his great niece, Julia Marie de la Rosa; and many cousins.

Carmelo did everything with a grateful heart with a smile, and song in his heart.

Heaven has received a true angel!

This will not be a private ceremony!

The visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at San Francesco di Paola Catholic Church on Friday, November 13, 2020

Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m.

The Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m.

San Francesco di Paola Catholic Church

205 Piazza Italia

San Antonio, TX 78207

*Church capacity is 80 persons

Entombment will follow in San Fernando Archdiocesan Cemetery # 2.