Thomas J. Aruffo

Aruffo, Thomas J, "TJ," 49, of St. Petersburg, died suddenly Thursday, February 28, 2008 at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. He was born in Drexel Hill, PA, on May 30, 1958 . TJ was an Eagle Scout and attended Bridgewater High School in New Jersey. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1982 and enjoyed a distinguished career as a naval aviator, flying the F14 Tomcat in carrier aviation worldwide. After fourteen years serving our country, he entered the private sector, holding executive positions with Fortune 500 companies, most recently as the Chief Information Officer for Cott Corporation, in Tampa, FL. An Avid ocean yachtsman, TJ survived the infamous Fastnet Race of 1979 and enjoyed many subsequent years of ocean racing with friends and family aboard his sailing yacht "Reggae". A devoted husband and father, TJ leaves behind his loving wife of 25 years, Marie Aruffo Fordham and his beautiful children Matthew 20 and Meghan 18, all of St. Petersburg. He is also survived by his mother, Helen Aruffo, father, A. John Aruffo, sisters Amy Spaeth, Holly Dunn, Jenifer Stiles, and his mother and father in law William and Marie Fordham, and their families. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 from 4 - 8 pm, at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home in St. Petersburg FL. Funeral services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Thursday, March 6, 2008, at 10:30 am. Memorial donations may be made to The US Naval Academy Foundation, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402 www.usna.com.