Art Ruffing, loving and fiercely devoted husband to Joan Ruffing, passed away on March 3, 2026. He was born in Norwalk, Ohio to Ruth (Ott) and Arthur Ruffing in 1938, followed by his two brothers Paul, and Robert (wife Margie). Art attended seminary school in Indiana and after that attended the University of Dayton. And we all know what happened there. He met his future loving wife Joan while crashing an all-girls Catholic High School dance.

After graduating from the University of Dayton, he married Joan and they moved to Cleveland where he began his 40 plus year career with Price Waterhouse. After his first year with the firm, he was called to serve in the US Army as a result of his ROTC and rifle training. His first-born son, Michael, was born while Art was serving in Korea. His second son James was born while Art and Joan were stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.

He returned to Price Waterhouse after an honorable discharge from the service in 1964. His work ethic and devotion to the firm earned him a partnership in 1974. Other career accomplishments with the firm include National Office 1981: Morristown 1983: Morristown and New Jersey Managing Partner; ABAS Operating Committee; World Firm ABAS Executive Committee; U.S. Firm Infrastructure Leader: Hartford 1996; Major clients- United Technologies, AlliedSignal, Warner-Lambert, Ingersoll-Rand, Goodyear, Diamond Shamrock, Activities -Finance & Audit committee United Way of America; Chairman, President, Campaign Chair United Way of Morris County; Advisory board School of Business University of Dayton; Treasurer & Director Key Largo Anglers Club; Trustee Pope John XXIII National Seminary; Board of Ohio Society of CPA's.

At his retirement, Art shared with family and colleagues some of his most memorable events: "Marrying Joan. Admission to the PW partnership. Mentoring talented people to partnership. With Joan's help, at 4 am digging my car 1/4 mile out of an Ohio blizzard to meet with Goodyear's Audit Committee. Being asked to extend my retirement and move to Hartford as GRP on UTC. My 40 years with the Firm."

A few of Art's "Rules to Live By": Integrity. Short-cuts never pay. Materiality is a feeble crutch; don't depend on it to support questionable accounting. Humor can help a lot. We have great partners, never go it alone. As the philosopher says, "*stuff* happens". (The philosopher was an optimist!)

After retirement, Art and Joan split their time between their homes in Savannah, Georgia and The Key Largo Anglers Club, as well as The Ocean Reef Club. Art was passionate about playing and teaching croquet to the next generation to expand the game. He served on a variety of boards with both clubs, including the Medical Center at Ocean Reef and various financial committees.

Art will always be remembered for his sense of humor, and even during this time of grief our family's laughter will continue as a tribute to his memory.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Joan, two sons, Michael (wife Kathryn) and James; grandchildren Michael (wife Morgan) and Emily, great-grandchildren Madeline, Amelia, Michael, Arthur, and Joseph.

- Visitation: Monday 3/9/26; 6pm-8pm 

Allen - Beyer Funeral Home

101640 Overseas Highway

Key Largo, Florida 33037

- Funeral Mass

Tuesday 3/10/26; 11 am

St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church

105500 Overseas Highway

Key Largo, Florida 33037

- Luncheon Reception after the funeral mass for friends and family at the Key Largo Anglers Club; 12:30 pm, 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following:

The Ocean Reef Medical Center Foundation 

St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church in Key Largo, Florida. St. St. Justin Martin Donation