Ruffin Rodrigue Jr.'s death was announced Wednesday by Ruffino's Restaurant and says that he passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday night. 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. When he returned to Louisiana, he put his marketing background to use, working for food and beverage companies before taking over Ruffino's in 2000, which had been owned by then-LSU coach Gerry DiNardo under his own name. When they played for LSU, teammates, roommates and ultimately best friends who were the best men in each others weddings, Gordy Rush remember, The director of operations at Ruffin Rodgrigues restaurants in Baton Rouge and Lafayette will remain on staff as the staff moves forward foll. There are five Rodrigue brothers, all still living in the Houma-Thibodaux area, all of whom played college football in the 1960s and 70s. Friends react to unexpected death of Ruffino's founder, 53: 'Theres no way you couldnt love him'. Oops, something didn't work. Upon graduation from Thibodaux High School, Ruffin attended LSU on a football scholarship, proudly following in his father's footsteps. Rodrigue's father, Ruffin Rodrigue Sr. of Thibodaux, played center at LSU from 1962-64. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Failed to report flower. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or the charity of your choice. He is with Cecile and God! Just consider the game between LSU and BYU, relative football strangers when they meet for the first time Saturday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in their flood-fleeing season opener. Ruffin could often be found entertaining guests with stories and table-side serenades. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Ruffin Rodrigue, owner of Ruffino's restaurant and former LSU player, dies, Need to get out of the house? To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Theres no way you couldnt love him, said Jim Urdiales, the owner of Mestizo restaurant in Baton Rouge. There is a problem with your email/password. "When I first met him, he was just like he would always be - life of the party, friends with everybody," Miller said from his insurance office in Austin, Texas. Funeral services have been set for Ruffino's owner and founder Ruffin Rodrigue. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. MAY GOD WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND RUFFIN AND WELCOME HIM HOME, AND MAY GOD WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND HIS FAMILY AND BRING COMFORT AND HEALING. His restaurants remained open Wednesday to cater to patrons Thanksgiving needs and to Celebrate Life the way Ruffin would have wanted, the restaurant said in a statement Wednesday. He was named an All-SEC Lineman and helped push the team to SEC Championships in 86 and 88. Photos. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Ruffino's is saddened to announce that our owner and founder Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. passed away unexpectedly last night. 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. Named Louisiana's Marketer of the . Rodrigue was a 2-time SEC champion who later . 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. He became LSU's starting left guard as a sophomore in 1987 and was a mainstay of the offensive line for three seasons. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. On the restaurants website, Rodrigue wrote a statement about his restaurants philosophy. A trip to Baton Rouge will never be the same for me. The friendships and experiences during his time at LSU sustained him for decades and served as the foundation for a successful business career. There was a problem saving your notification. , 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. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. 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 visitation for . There was a problem saving your notification. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. The friendships and experiences during his time at LSU sustained him for decades and served as the foundation for a successful business career. There was an error deleting this problem. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. In addition to tirelessly working for the advancement of the restaurant industry in general, he poured his energy into creating his restaurants signature warm and welcoming atmosphere. The owner and founder of Ruffino's Restaurant in Baton Rouge has died, the restaurant announced on Facebook.According to the post, Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. passed away unexpectedly Tuesday night. So sorry for your loss. Receive a notification when services are updated. ------------------------------------------------------------Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. "The restaurant business was a good fit for him.". Rodrigue has returned for reunions, one in 2015 to celebrate the WAC title, but his familiar faces have mostly left the scene. He was 53. 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. Even as his family and community mourn his departure from this life, there is hope and comfort in the promise of eternal life. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. 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. Try again. A well-known former LSU football player who went on to become a popular restauranteur in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana has died. We have set your language to He was born on April 2, 1967 in Thibodaux, LA, to Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Sr., and the late Cecile. (KLFY) The owner of Ruffino's Restaurant in Baton Rouge and Lafayette has died, according to the restaurant's Facebook page. Ruffin was the ultimate people person who made everyone feel appreciated and special. He proudly sang their praises to anyone he encountered, often sharing treasured family photos with friends new and old. Rodrigue had been advocating for grants and relief for restaurants hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Not the right Ruffin? You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Harris said he spoke to Rodrigue Tuesday afternoon following Gov. LOW HIGH. He was 53. Thibodaux, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, USA, Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, USA. Miller said he bumped into Rodrigue and his two young children at a Mardi Gras parade in Baton Rouge in 2019. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. The restaurant will remain open today in order to help our guests Thanksgiving needs continuing to celebrate life the way Ruffin would have wanted us to, the post stated. But thats where he wound up, a rare link between two disparate college football worlds. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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 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. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. You may leave a message for the family by clicking here. He proudly sang their praises to anyone he encountered, often sharing treasured family photos with friends new and old. 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. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. 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. Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Jr., age 53, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 25, 2020. Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. was 53. Restaurant guests returned again and again to "celebrate life"- a guiding principle of the restaurant. Add to your scrapbook. With a degree in marketing, Ruffin entered the food and beverage industry and became owner of Ruffino's Restaurant in 2000. "Our whole LSU family is mourning the loss of a great friend and a great Tiger . Everybody loved Ruffin, and everybody loved being around Ruffin.". Message. A press release from the restaurant said: Ruffin Rodrigue began his journey with Ruffinos in 1998 with an understanding that he wanted to create something special, and not just another restaurant. A public visitation for Rodrigue will be held on Tuesday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 205 N. 4th St., Baton Rouge, LA. Restaurant guests returned again and again to "celebrate life"- a guiding principle of the restaurant. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? According to. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41.10). 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. BATON ROUGE, La. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Due to pandemic restrictions, the funeral service for Rodrigue will be private. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. He was born on April 2, 1967 in Thibodaux, LA, to Ruffin Adam Rodrigue,. (KLFY) The owner of Ruffinos Restaurant in Baton Rouge and Lafayette has died, according to the restaurants Facebook page. "Ruffin, you will be sorely missed by us all. Rodrigue is survived by his wife and two children. Rabalais: Football, Marines took Perry Rodrigue from Louisiana to BYU and back. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. He was born on April 2, 1967 in Thibodaux, LA, to Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Sr., and the late Cecile. Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Jr., age 53, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 25, 2020. Baton Rouge - Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Jr., age 53, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 25, 2020. I didnt know you had also lost your wife. Mr. Rodrigue retired as a Major after serving 28 years with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Department. There were seven former Marines who played for BYU. 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. Ruffino's in Baton Rouge has been a popular spot for national media members as well as LSU fans before and after LSU football, basketball and baseball games for decades. Donald was a fullback at McNeese State from 1968-71, while G.A. "Ruffino's is saddened to announce that our owner and founder Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. passed away unexpectedly last night. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. As coronavirus restrictions ease up in Louisiana, consider supporting local restaurants, which have . In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or the charity of your choice. He was born on April 2, 1967 in Thibodaux, LA, to Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Sr., and the late Cecile Marie Benoit Rodrigue. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Ruffin Rodrigue is adding a little bit of dazzle to Ruffino's takeout routine. Rest in peace.". 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. Failed to remove flower. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. He was a very up-front guy, and we decided to go.. 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. (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. 02:57. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. R.I.P RUFFIN, ALWAYS A TIGER. Rodrigue played football at LSU and . Advertisement Ruffin, a former football player at LSU, began his journey with Ruffino's in 1998 with an. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/219002985/ruffin-adam-rodrigue. Failed to delete memorial. The committal of ashes will take place in a private ceremony at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux at a later date. A year later, they were named restaurateurs of the year, one of the Louisiana Restaurant Associations top honors. Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Jr., age 53, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 25, 2020. BATON ROUGE, La. Our whole famiy is feeling the great loss of "Little Ruffin" and praying for all of his family left behind! Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. based on information from your browser. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. cemeteries found in Thibodaux, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He was named an All-SEC Lineman and helped push the team to SEC Championships in 1986 and 1988. His two beloved children, Adam and Maggie, were his very best accomplishments and greatest source of joy. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. The restaurant says it will remain open to helps guests with Thanksgiving needs. "He really cared about LSU. Ruffin's happiest memories were made with the family he created with Alison, his wife of nearly fifteen years. News of Rodrigues unexpected passing rippled through the restaurant industry Wednesday as friends and restaurant peers exchanged texts and memories. Ruffin's zest for life, sense of hospitality, love for his home state and loyalty to LSU are all unmatched. The Marine thing completely turned it around, said Marc Lyons, quarterback at BYU from 1967-69 and and a longtime color analyst on its radio broadcasts. "The staff extend their thoughts and prayers to his family during this time.". Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Thanks for your help! Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. He was 53. Verify and try again. Ruffin was also a former LSU football player, playing for the Tigers from 1986 to 1989. He was born on April 2, 1967 in Thibodaux, LA, to Ruffin Adam Rodrigue, Sr., and the late Cecile Marie Benoit Rodrigue. They really made a difference for our team to have that example..