Michael F. Ruffley

Michael F. Ruffley, 79, of Old Bridge passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, May 30, 2011 at the Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge. Born in the Bronx, NY, he lived in E. Brunswick from 1963-1979, moving to Old Bridge in 1979.He was a high school championship track star at St Agnes high school in the Bronx, NY. He graduated from New York University (NYU), NYC, in 1964 with a B.S. degree.Michael is a Veteran of the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Brooklyn, having served during the Korean War.Upon moving to the area, Michael became one of the original members of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh in 1963, and continued to be a part of the club his entire life. He served as President from 1980-1982. He worked for C.P. Transport in Jersey City and in Sayreville for many years. He then became employed with the Township of Old Bridge working within the Community Development Block Grant Program from 1992 until 2005. Upon retiring he volunteered first full time as a Legislative Aide to former NJ Senator Jack Gallagher and then for NJ Assemblyman Samuel D. Thompson, Republican, 13th Legislative District. A dear friend to many, Mike, was a big supporter of Old Bridge PBA, the Republican party, served on the board of Township With A Heart, was an avid NY Mets fan, enjoyed live music and loved his dogs Nikki & Newman. He was predeceased by his parents Michael & Margaret Ruffley in 1961, his sister Margaret Monaghan and brothers John and Thomas Smith, his niece Renee and his wife of 12 years Aileen "Kelly" Ruffley in 2003. Michael is survived by his former wife, Patricia Mc Auliffe Ruffley and his children, Michael J. & Vickie Ruffley of Spotswood; Kevin & Edith Ruffley of Alexandria, VA.; Patty & Jay Norway of East Brunswick & William Ruffley of East Brunswick and his step children, Patricia Bates and Edward Leib. Michael is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael, Kristine, & Nora; his niece, Pat Mc Kee, and nephew, Phillip Monaghan. Friends may call on Thursday from 6-9pm and on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Michael Hegarty Funeral Home, 3377 US Hwy 9, Old Bridge, NJ 08857.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Township With A Heart P.O. Box 5384 Old Bridge, NJ 08857 or St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.A Funeral Liturgy will be offered on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 9:00 am, from St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church, Old Bridge. Committal will follow at the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Old Bridge Turnpike, E. Brunswick. For more information or to write a tribute, please visit the memorial at www.hegartyfuneralhome.com.

Michael F. Ruffley

August 23, 1931 - May 30, 2011