Valentino Michael Ruffo

Valentino Michael Ruffo, the loving and much loved husband of Moyra Mackinnon, passed away at home on November 20, 2025 at age 79.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Rose Marie (Mancuso) and his brothers, Joseph and William. Val was a gifted musician, and a friendly and diligent salesman who prided himself on remembering all of his customers’ names. He will be missed by his brothers-in-law, John (Marilyn), and Donald (Jennifer), many nieces, nephews, and cousins and his dogs, Lulu and Sparky.

Val grew up on Gladstone Street near Bloor and Dufferin. He was an altar boy at St Anthony’s Parish, and attended St. Anthony Catholic School, and Central Tech. He worked as a short order cook and an Ontario Food Terminal driver, among other jobs, while attending university. After graduating with a degree in psychology from the University of Toronto, he travelled to Egypt to work at different archaeological sites. This inspired a life long interest in Egyptology and many colourful, large and small Egyptian tattoos. He returned to Toronto a couple of years later and started a very successful and long career as a car salesman. He met and married Eva, and later spent many happy years with Bev, and their dogs, Jake and Millie. He met Moyra in 2008 and they married in 2009.

Music played a big part in his life. He started off playing the accordion, but soon switched to the guitar. He was part of the Toronto music scene of the 60s and 70s, playing in R&B bands such as “The Dana” and “Terry & The Pyrates”. He continued to play for the rest of his life, working as a studio musician, and jamming at different GTA locations. He inspired his nephews, Corbet and Alec, to take up the guitar. He was a proud uncle when Corbet performed each year at the “Junior Jam” at the Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival in Port Credit.

Val was a generous, warm soul who loved meeting people; he easily befriended everyone. He had a great sense of humour, and often employed one of his many annoying eye-rolling sayings. He was a runner, and at one time, participated in daily fitness classes. Driving gave Val great joy, especially with the sunroof open and the music “just booming”. One of his favourite things was going for long drives with his wife and dogs.

Later in life, he contracted endocarditis which led to many protracted stays in hospital and rehab, and an eventual slow decline.

As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or service. If you wish, you may make a donation to the Toronto Humane Society or to the charity of your choice, in his name.

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way
I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you

(I'll Be Seeing You by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal)