Joseph Karl Ruffing

Birth date: Sep 10, 1964 Death date: Jan 25, 2026

On January 25, 2026, Joseph Karl Ruffing passed from this world into the great halls of Christ’s Heavenly Kingdom. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Clara, their daughter Julia, his mother, Jeannette, brothers James (Jim/Ruff)- Read Obituary

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Sndy Wingrove

3w ago

oh my God I can't believe he's gone Joe was a great friend he would sit at study hall we would play all kinds of card games and backgammon he was a good guy he's going to be missed by all of us rest in peace Joe

Lizzie Anderson

3w ago

I never met Joe but I did talk to him once on the phone in 2011, after I had moved back to Pittsburgh and was looking for an MS support group. I never ended up going to the group, because it was at a time I couldn't make, but I did stay on the email list for these 15 years, occasionally reading one when the title interested me. Even having never met him, I am so grateful for the dedication and support he gave to our community. Thank you, Joe. And I wish care and support to all who are missing his beautiful presence in your lives.

Nate Phillips

4w ago

in honor of Joseph.

Nate Phillips lit a candle in memory of Joseph Ruffing

A lit white pillar candle with a soft glow beside a delicate white lily with green leaves on a pale beige background.

Debra Maher

4w ago

in honor of Joseph.

Clara

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time."
"Wishing you peace and comfort as you face this challenging time. My heart goes out to you. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sending you strength and love.

Debra Maher

Jim Ruffing

5w ago

Shelly Brown

5w ago

To the family…
I worked with Joe at PITT- HERL and learned of his work with Kairos Prison Ministries. I asked him to be a guest speaker at my church for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast, and he spoke eloquently about his work with the organization and his passion for helping others. We also had a common bond of having roots in Hazelwood…we often spoke of the good, the bad, and the ugly! Joe was a truly good guy and will be missed. My prayers and condolences are with you, his friends, and all who loved him.
Shelly Brown

Diane Quien

5w ago

in honor of Joseph.

We were saddened to learn of Joe's passing, but rejoice that he is in his eternal home with our Savior Jesus Christ. Joe brought much inspiration and joy to us in the time we had with him through the Kairos Prison Ministry. Thanks be to God for sharing this beautiful Christian Brother with us. We will have wonderful memories of Joe and miss him greatly.
Fly Away, Brother Joe!

A graceful illustration of a white dove in mid-flight with its wings elegantly spread wide, set against a soft teal background.

Jessa Devito

5w ago

in honor of Joseph.

My deepest condolences sweet Clara ♥

Jackie Mckee

5w ago

in honor of Joseph.

The first time I met Joe he was standing in front of a sink full of dirty dishes at a Kairos Outside weekend. I was in and out of the kitchen a lot that weekend and Joe seemed to always be at the sink, smiling and laughing, and serving the rest of the kitchen crew and the Weekend guests and team by washing dishes. To me, Joe was one of the best at being the hands and feet of Jesus in whatever he was doing, a true servant.
“So, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matt 20:16
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matt 25:23

Oh, how you will be missed here on this earth, Joe!!

A lighted pale blue candle with a small white flower and a few leaves at its base, set against a soft blue background.

Judy Yadrick

6w ago

I was shocked to hear of Joes passing. My husband and I recently received a call from Joe (we no longer live in PA but in NV.) He said he was praying for Ron who recently underwent open heart bypass surgery.
Joe is an amazing guy and we were involved in the Kairos Prison Ministry for many years. I admired his passion for his faith and his many talents.
We're praying for Clara and Julia and family as they navigate this sudden loss.
I attached this clip I took of a Facebook post that highlighting/honouring Joe's accomplishments.
Joe will be greatly missed!
I can imagine Joe walking hand in hand with Jesus as he admires the majestic halls and vistas in the heavenly realms.
Judy & Judy Yadrick

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