Sylvestro J. Ruffini

Sylvestro J. Ruffini, age 94, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Born in Woodbury, NY on April 16, 1931, he was the son of the late John and Pierina (Saia) Ruffini. Sylvestro attended Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades and The City University of New York before relocating to Rockaway, NJ. Sylvestro married the love of his life, Veronica Lunardini on June 1, 1963. Shortly after, they made their home in Budd Lake, NJ, where they would live until moving to Middletown, DE in 2011. Sylvestro worked for 37 years at Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, NJ until his retirement in 1995. He later worked for the Mount Olive Board of Education as a hall monitor from 1996 to 2006.

A man of faith, Sylvestro was an active member of St. Judes Roman Catholic Church in Budd Lake, NJ where he served as an usher. After moving to Delaware, he became a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Middletown. Sylvestro enjoyed giving back to his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 6100.

In addition to his parents, Sylvestro was preceded in death by his daughter, Marina Lynn Ruffini. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Veronica (Lunardini) Ruffini; sons, Drew Ruffini and John Ruffini (Kathleen); grandchildren, Cameron Ruffini and Jayda Ruffini; step grandchildren, Samantha Swenty and Taylor Sona; sister, Louise Bruno; niece, Carol Ann Nock; and other nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 pm until 3 pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Monday, January 5, 2026, at St. Joseph Parish, 319 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sylvestro’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 500 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or online by clicking here.