Patrick Stanley Joseph Ruffin
Age 71, of the "Indiana Ruffins", passed away on May 21, 2018.
Patrick was born on November 15, 1946, in Indianapolis and was raised in Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1969 with a major in German. He was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force and served in southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. A devout Catholic with a true humanitarian nature, Patrick spent that tumultuous time teaching English to cadets in the Vietnamese Air Force.
He obtained two master's degrees, in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and later in Linguistics, from Southern Illinois University. In 1980, Patrick resettled in Delaware and took an ESL teaching position at Temple University in Philadelphia. He taught English on three continents and tutored at Drexel University, Delaware Technical and Community College, and the Community College of Philadelphia.
In the ELI Tutoring Center at University of Delaware, where he was well-regarded by all, Patrick assisted students in their study of the English language and American culture. He took his task very seriously, wanting to facilitate the exchange of ideas and make a relevant contribution to the world. A first-rate linguist, Patrick established a lasting legacy of students whose dreams he helped to fulfill and inspired and mentored his co-workers along the way.
Patrick's family was extremely important to him, and he had numerous first and second cousins, as well as extended family uncovered through his passion for genealogy – which linked him to two kings from the 1700s! Patrick was also a direct descendant of Edmund Ruffin, a prominent figure in both agricultural and political reform who has been credited with firing the first shot in the Civil War at Fort Sumter.
Patrick's friends were also a huge part of his world. He was a longtime member of Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del. He was especially close with the "love of his life," Linda "Elizabeth" Elsdon, as they walked this road together his last three years.
All who knew Patrick remember his fondness for people, conversation, history, travel, reading, his Corvette, and enjoying the fine selection of Belgian beers at Jessop's pub. Though quiet, chivalrous, and a consummate gentleman, he had a great sense of humor and a genuine, raucous laugh. He is no doubt now eagerly learning the language of the angels...and before long, he'll probably be tutoring the new arrivals.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's R. C. Church, 1414 N King St, Wilmington, DE 19801, on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 11:00 am. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808
Patrick's generosity is demonstrated by his final act of selflessness: In lieu of flowers, it was his wish that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or www.WoundedWarriorProject.org.