Al Ruzzo
Help us celebrate Al! Please share your stories and photos, and invite others who remember Al.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Al (A. John) Ruzzo on Monday March 14, 2022 at the age of 102 following a brief illness. Al and his late wife Pat made their home at Ashlar Village in Wallingford starting in March 2002.
Al was born on July 3, 1919 and raised in Waterbury, CT. He attended the University of Connecticut and graduated from Renouard School of Embalming in New York City prior to enlisting in the US Navy where he served during WWII as a Pharmacist Mate First Class. He would often tell stories of his time in the service and after some encouragement from his son John, wrote a memoir entitled "Navy Narrative: My War Years 1942 to 1946" at the age of 98.
Upon his return to the States, Al and Pat were married on Sept. 8, 1945. They lived in Waterbury and the Fairfield/Bridgeport area prior to settling in Meriden in 1952 where he owned and operated the John J. Smith Memorial Home, later renamed the Smith-Ruzzo Funeral Home, until his retirement.
Al was active in local civic organizations for many, many years including the Unison Club and the Kiwanis Club. He served on the Boards of the Child Guidance Clinic and the World War II Veteran's Memorial Hospital. And in the late 1960's, Al was elected City Treasurer for the City of Meriden, an office he proudly served in for two terms.
Al and Pat raised 5 children in Meriden, who in turn graced them with 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. To say nothing gave Al more joy than his family would be an understatement. His family was his pride and joy only second to his love for his wife.
Al is survived by his children: John (Brenda Doucette) of Rocky Hill, Rick (Linda) of Old Saybrook, Terry (Kathy) of San Tan Valley, AZ, Bob (Sharon) of Higganum, and Laurie (Tom) Whelan of Meriden. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Wendy Ruzzo of Wethersfield, several nieces and nephews and many, many friends. In addition to his wife, Al was predeceased by his parents Paul and Catherine Ruzzo, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Paula and Bob Henne and Roberta and Doug McGill, and his daughter-in-law Patty Ruzzo.
When he wasn't at work, Al was often found playing golf at The Wallingford Country Club playing the game he loved, a love he subsequently passed on to several of his family. The highlight for him however, occurred in 2016 when his son Terry took Al and two of his grandsons to Augusta, GA during the week of The Masters Golf Tournament. After walking on that course, Al said: "I thought I had died and gone to heaven." It was that beautiful!
Additionally, he was an avid Yankees fan and UConn basketball fan.
Perhaps what Al will most be remembered for are his stories. He had hundreds of them and was always ready to share a story with anyone and everyone. So, to commemorate his story-telling and to celebrate his life, Al's family invites you to share your favorite story of a truly storied man on Monday May 16, 2022 from 4-5pm in the auditorium of Ashlar Village at Masonic, Wallingford, CT. A graveside service will take place at a later time.
Should you desire, donations may be made in Al's memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or to a charity of your choice.
In Al's words, Love & Peace.