I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41.10). Former LSU star pitcher Ronnie Rantz found that out when he arrived on the Baton Rouge campus as a true freshman in the fall of 1990. A tough kid. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? "Our whole LSU family is mourning the loss of a great friend and a great Tiger," LSU football coach Ed Orgeron said via Twitter on Wednesday. After DiNardo was fired late in the 1999 season, Rodrigue eventually took over the restaurant and changed its name to Ruffino's in 2000. A native of Thibodaux, he signed with LSU in 1986 out of Thibodaux High School. Ruffin's happiest memories were made with the family he created with Alison, his wife of nearly fifteen years. We had lots of great times together.". Rodrigue moved to Montreal after graduating with a marketing degree to play for the World League of American Football until an injury ended his career. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. May God Bless You. This philosophy, or way of thinking, can be traced back to Ruffins childhood when he often worked with his father preparing graves at the cemetery teaching him early on how important life is, and that each moment we have to celebrate with friends, family and loved ones is priceless. LSUs football players lounge has a new name: the Mathieu Players Lounge. Try again later. Ruffin Rodrigue makes cotton candy during the coronavirus pandemic in his office at Ruffino's. Many in the Louisiana restaurant industry are remembering Ruffin Rodrigue Jr., who died unexpectedly Tuesday night. Email Youssef Rddad at yrddad@theadvocate.com, and follow him on Twitter @youssefrddad. Add a Memory According to the post, Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. passed away unexpectedly Tuesday night. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Learn more about managing a memorial . His two beloved children, Adam and Maggie, were his very best accomplishments and greatest source of joy. (KLFY) The owner of Ruffinos Restaurant in Baton Rouge and Lafayette has died, according to the restaurants Facebook page. Thanks for your help! David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. He was born on April 2, 1967 in Thibodaux, LA, to Ruffin Adam Rodrigue,. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. His goal was to develop a place where people could come to Celebrate Life, regardless of the occasion. Ruffin Sr. played center at LSU on Charles McClendons first three teams (1962-64), followed by Berris in the late 60s, though the latters career was cut short by injury and he never lettered. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Try again later. He proudly sang their praises to anyone he encountered, often sharing treasured family photos with friends new and old. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Ruffin Adam Rodrigue Jr. Baton Rouge - Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Jr., age 53, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 25, 2020. Legendary BR restaurant owner, LSU football player Ruffin Rodrigue has died November 25, 2020 9:49 AM in Top Story Source: WBRZ TV By: Trey Schmaltz . As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Ruffino's released a statement Wednesday morning about Rodrigue's passing: "Ruffino's is saddened to announce that our owner and founder Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. passed away unexpectedly last . He loved football and he loved Louisiana, said former teammate and starting quarterback Tommy Hodson, who lived with Rodrigue for five years while they were in college. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. During that time, he could be found at all hours of the day covered in blue and pink sugar as he perched over the candy machine he set up in his office. "Ruffin began his journey with Ruffino's in 1998 with an understanding that he wanted to create something special, and not just another restaurant. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? He was 53. Upon graduation from Thibodaux High School, Ruffin attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge on a football scholarship, proudly following in his father's footsteps. He was a very up-front guy, and we decided to go.. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Sorry! Ruffin Rodrigue Jr., a former LSU football player who opened the Ruffino's restaurants in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, died unexpectedly from a heart attack Tuesday night. This account has been disabled. Restaurant guests returned again and again to celebrate life a guiding principle of the restaurant. He was born on April 2, 1967 in Thibodaux, LA, to Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Sr., and the late Cecile Marie Benoit Rodrigue. Learn more about merges. His ties to the school have waned over the years. The late Ruffin Rodrigue, owner of Ruffino's restaurant, had a joy for life that his staff is carrying on at the Baton Rouge and Lafayette restaurants. ------------------------------------------------------------Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere. He is survived by his loving wife, Alison Seamster Rodrigue, and their two children, Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, III, and Margaret Anne Rodrigue; his father and brothers Gawain Thomas Rodrigue and Braden Paul Rodrigue; and many adoring relatives. A few days after settling into his dorm, Rantz met the star larger-than-life offensive lineman. From celebrities to neighborhood regulars to young children celebrating their birthdays, Ruffin went the extra mile to personally connect with guests and infuse their experiences with happy memories. A well-known former LSU football player who went on to become a popular restauranteur in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana has died. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. All the coaches loved him because he played so hard.". Perry was a block of muscle, Lyons recalled. With a degree in marketing, Ruffin entered the food and beverage industry and became owner of Ruffino's Restaurant in 2000. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I never met him personally, but we sure talked about him enough at the LSU games. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. After graduating from LSU in 1990, Ruffin played for the WLA until getting injured. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or the charity of your choice. BATON ROUGE, La. You can always change this later in your Account settings. BY SCOTT RABALAIS | srabalais@theadvocate.com, No chalk talk: LSU coach Ed Orgeron's approach to special teams different, but re-energizing, players say, LSU's players' lounge being named after former DB Tyrann Mathieu. He was able to keep his staff on the company payroll through money generated through take-out orders. Friends react to unexpected death of Ruffino's founder, 53: 'Theres no way you couldnt love him'. Trust in the Lord and thank Him for letting you have them for as long as you did. They really made a difference for our team to have that example.. He was always the life of the party., Looking for an excuse to leave the house? You have permission to edit this article. BATON ROUGE, La. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. A public visitation will be held Tuesday, December 1, from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm in Coleman Hall of St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. "The restaurant business was a good fit for him.". ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Verify and try again. Rodrigue is survived by his wife and two children. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or the charity of your choice. News of Rodrigues unexpected passing rippled through the restaurant industry Wednesday as friends and restaurant peers exchanged texts and memories. LPSO responds to shooting on Windward St. SLPSO: Man stole car key, house key near Port Barre, Acadiana students nominated for state honor, Acadiana foster dad fighting to get children back, Hooded man wearing sagging pants steals $9K in purses, Two arrested following armed robbery in Morgan City, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Rodrigue was a guard for the Tigers between 1986. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. loved greeting friends and strangers alike with a large smile and bear hug. Ruffin could often be found entertaining guests with stories and table-side serenades. "I've heard so many stories about him," Clement said about Andolsek. The players loved him. (KLFY) A public visitation for Ruffin Rodrigue, Jr., the owner of Ruffinos Restaurant, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m. in Coleman Hall of St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. It just meant a lot to him - the fact that he was playing where his dad played. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. As a football player at LSU Ruffin learned another valuable lesson that would provide the foundation of things to come that hard work always pays off when you love what you do. May God bless you and your familyYour friend Chris Wallace, Coleman Hall of St. James Episcopal Church. But as I grew older, I started to understand that being a Marine was really the cool story.. BATON ROUGE Ruffin Rodrigue Jr., a gregarious and popular former LSU football player turned successful restaurateur, died Tuesday of an apparent heart attack. Year should not be greater than current year. Rodrigue died unexpectedly on Nov. 24 of a heart attack at age 53. So sorry for your loss. Thibodaux, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, USA, Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, USA. The LSU community was rocked when it learned of the death of former LSU football player Ruffin Rodrigue Jr following a heart attack on Tuesday evening. The popular Italian-Creole fusion eatery in Baton Rouge saw success under Rodrigue's ownership, which led to him and his business partner Peter Sclafani opening a second restaurant in Lafayette in 2013. RUFFIN RODRIGUE OBITUARY Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Jr., age 53, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 25, 2020. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Ruffin Rodrigue played for LSU from 1986 to 1989. He was named an All-SEC Lineman and helped push the team to SEC Championships in 86 and 88. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Ruffin Rodrigue, owner of Ruffino's restaurant and a former LSU football player, died unexpectedly Tuesday night from a heart attack. Receive a notification when services are updated. A trip to Baton Rouge will never be the same for me. Rodrigue played linebacker at UL-Lafayette from 1972-75. LOW HIGH. In addition to tirelessly working for the advancement of the restaurant industry in general, he poured his energy into creating his restaurant's signature warm and welcoming atmosphere. He was 53. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. View More. Ruffin Rodrigue is adding a little bit of dazzle to Ruffino's takeout routine. Even as his family and community mourn his departure from this life, there is hope and comfort in the promise of eternal life. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Acadiana Boil Advisories and Water Shutdowns, Ella Goodies family now searching for another family, Carencro Fire Department responds to fire on Braquet, Jury convicts Louisiana man of trafficking fentanyl,, Ville Platte woman arrested for stealing thousands, Acadiana Kidcasters Apply for your child to do the weather on KLFY-TV, Best smart home devices for older users, according, How to get started on spring cleaning early, according, Worried about your student using ChatGPT for homework? Rodrigue owned Ruffino's restaurant in Baton Rouge and Ruffino's On the River in Lafayette. Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Jr., age 53, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 25, 2020. Please accept our sincere condolences. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. With a degree in marketing, Ruffin entered the food and beverage industry and became owner of Ruffinos Restaurant in 2000. Information on funeral services will be posted here as they become available. Upon graduation from Thibodaux High School, Ruffin attended LSU on a football scholarship, proudly following in his fathers footsteps. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Due to pandemic restrictions, the funeral service will be private. The committal of ashes will take place in a ceremony at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux at 1:00 pm Wednesday, December 2nd. "He had an infectious smile, an infectious personality and just bent over backward to serve people," said Restaurant Association President and CEO Stan Harris. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41.10). An Italian-Creole restaurant and catering business with locations in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Ruffino's is a success story because of Ruffin's heart for hospitality, a passion that garnered several industry awards during his career. "The staff extend their thoughts and prayers to his family during this time.". , Ella Goodies family searching for another family, Ville Platte woman arrested for felony theft, Abbeville woman thankful to be alive after shot in, Downtown Lafayette will soon see a new residential, Contentious California nuclear plant can keep operating,, Lafayette woman attempts to fight off purse snatcher, Ragin Cajuns Fall to App State in SBC Tournament, Spanish Moss was almost called French Moss, Prep Basketball: #1 NISH advances in thriller of, Meghan Schorman Claims Sun Belt Softball Pitcher, Carencro man re-arrested on child pornography charges, La. In lieu of flowers, mourners are asked to consider a donation to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or the charity of your choice. There are five Rodrigue brothers, all still living in the Houma-Thibodaux area, all of whom played college football in the 1960s and 70s. The friendships and experiences during his time at LSU sustained him for decades and served as the foundation for a successful business career. Restaurant guests returned again and again to "celebrate life"- a guiding principle of the restaurant. To use this feature, use a newer browser. ET. Ruffin Rodrigue, Jr., 53, also a fo The details of his death were not released on Wednesday. Rodrigue has returned for reunions, one in 2015 to celebrate the WAC title, but his familiar faces have mostly left the scene. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 1 Visit. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Ruffin Rodrigue (219002985)? He owned the Baton Rouge restaurant at 18811 Highland Road, and Ruffino's on the River at 921 Camellia Road in Lafayette, along. Ruffin Rodrigue, owner of Ruffino's restaurant and a former LSU football player, died unexpectedly Tuesday night from a heart attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. The committal of ashes will take place in a private ceremony at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux at a later date. 1:00 BATON ROUGE Ruffin Rodrigue Jr., a gregarious and popular former LSU football player turned successful restaurateur, died Tuesday of an apparent heart attack. Prince of a guy. Everybody loved Ruffin, and everybody loved being around Ruffin.". 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. This browser does not support getting your location. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. "Ruffino's is saddened to announce that our owner and founder Ruffin Rodrigue . Get the fastest scores, stats, news, LIVE videos, and more. "He was just like he always was," he said. Time moves on, Rodrigue said. LPSO responds to shooting on Windward St. SLPSO: Man stole car key, house key near Port Barre, Acadiana students nominated for state honor, Acadiana foster dad fighting to get children back, Hooded man wearing sagging pants steals $9K in purses, Two arrested following armed robbery in Morgan City, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He proudly sang their praises to anyone he encountered, often sharing treasured family photos with friends new and old. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Rodrigue was a 2-time SEC champion who later . Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Ruffin A Rodrigue, Ruffin A Rodrigue, Ruffin Rodriguez, Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Rodrigue Ruffin. Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Jr., age 53, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 25, 2020. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. For his restaurant guests, he was known to burst into singing in the restaurant. Ruffin Rodrigue Jr., a former LSU football player and owner of popular Baton Rouge restaurant Ruffino's, has died. The football bounces in unpredictable ways. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Please reset your password. A year later, they were named restaurateurs of the year, one of the Louisiana Restaurant Associations top honors. An Italian-Creole restaurant and catering business with locations in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Ruffino's is a success story because of Ruffin's heart for hospitality, a passion that garnered several industry awards during his career. Baton Rouge - Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Jr., age 53, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 25, 2020. There is a problem with your email/password. 225-***-**** View Phone. There were seven former Marines who played for BYU. He was born on April 2, 1967 in Thibodaux, LA, to Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Sr., and the late Cecile. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Rodrigue also made a music video, where he sings 'The Candy Man' while making the cotton candy. Restaurant guests returned again and again to "celebrate life"- a guiding principle of the restaurant. There was a problem getting your location. "We lost a pillar of the industry that helped reshape it in the last few years.". Ruffin was also a former LSU football player, playing for the Tigers from 1986 to 1989. Theres no way you couldnt love him, said Jim Urdiales, the owner of Mestizo restaurant in Baton Rouge. Rest in peace.". According to. Former LSU football player Ruffin Rodrigue died on Wednesday. I wouldnt know anybody there now.. Upon graduation from Thibodaux High School, Ruffin attended LSU on a football scholarship, proudly following in his father's footsteps. Ruffins happiest memories were made with the family he created with Alison, his wife of nearly fifteen years. He was also a truck farmer, sugarcane farmer, and trapper. Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. was 53. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. GREAT NEWS! The 261-pound, 6-foot-5-inch, tight end has four uncles who have donned purple and gold, including Rodrigue's son, Ruffin Rodrigue Jr., and the late Eric Andolsek, an All-American offensive lineman and team captain during LSU's 1986 and 1987 seasons. Try again later. I guess youd say he was charming, said Rodrigue, a running back. LSU (3-3) is scheduled to take on No. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Oops, something didn't work. A public visitation will be held Tuesday, December 1, from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm in Coleman Hall of St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Whether its the food we serve or the service we provide, our goal is to ensure a remarkable experience for our guests that will always be remembered, Rodrigue said of his restaurant's philosophy in a statement on its website. As coronavirus restrictions ease up in Louisiana, consider supporting local restaurants, which have . Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Ruffin will be remembered and celebrated for his big smile and even bigger heart, his larger-than-life presence, his charitable contributions to the community, his optimism, and his thoughtful words and gestures for occasions big and small. Published by Houma Today from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2, 2020. May the love of friends and family carry you through this difficult time. Ruffin could often be found entertaining guests with stories and table-side serenades. When Perry Rodrigue left his close-knit family in Louisiana to go and serve in the Marine Corps in the early 1960s, he couldnt have imagined that football would take him to Brigham Young.