Joe Ruffino

Joe J. Ruffino, 87, of Brenham, passed away Friday, March 2, 2012 at home with his loving wife and family members by his side.

Joe was born in Dewalt, Texas to Sam and Laura (Lapagila) Ruffino on May 2, 1925. He served in the Air Force as a sergeant. On July 8, 1956 he married Lou, his loving wife of fifty-five years. He was known as an expert and wine connoisseur of fine wines. He promoted wine tastings throughout Houston and toured vineyards around the world, gaining more knowledge as he traveled. Joe owned several grocery stores in Houston, including Royal Oaks Drive-Inn in Spring Branch, Village Drive-Inn in West University. He retired to his property in Brenham after twenty years in the wine business, where he enjoyed raising cattle and working on his farm. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham and an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved to bowl with his wife, Lou, and his sons, Michael and Sam. He enjoyed hunting with his sons, Michael and Sam and also enjoyed gardening with his grandsons, Mario and Nicholas. He and Lou loved to dance and are former charter members of Polka Lovers Klub of America.

Surviving family include his loving wife, Lou, sons Michael Ruffino and daughter-in-law Kathlena Ruffino and Sam Ruffino; brother Preston Ruffino and sister Mary Palasota; grandchildren Nicholas Ruffino and Mario Ruffino.

Visitation will be from 6pm to 8pm with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 5, 2012 at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 6 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham. 979.836.3611 to leave condolences go to www.brenhammemorialchapel.com