Obituary of Daniel J. Ruffatto, Sr.

DANIEL J. RUFFATTO, SR. "Gooch" 9-5-65 TO 11-13-16 My dad died unexpectedly on Nov 13th while doing something he loved. He was riding his Harley and feeling the sun on his face and the wind on his back. My dad was a fighter. He fought to overcome injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident. They said he had a 5% chance of living but he came out on top. He fought Leukemia over the last three years and came out on top. We all thought he was Superman, and he was OUR Superman. That all changed when God decided to call you home and we will never know the reasons why. You are now free from any future pain and suffering and free to RIDE. My dad learned to live life to the fullest surrounded by family and friends that he loved. He didn't go anywhere he couldn't make a friend. He loved people and talking with them, he loved adventure and was the life of the party wherever he went. He loved his crazy cats who kept him company when no one was home. We all have video's that prove it. He had a zest for life with a smile that could light up a room and a twinkle in his eyes full of mischief and fun. He could make anyone's bad day into a good one. We will remember his larger than life personality, his stupid jokes and his love for his family. He graduated from Lockport township High School with the Class of 1983. He married Barbi Liker from Plainfield on March 23, 1991. They moved to Coal City and raised two beautiful children Tori and Danny Jr. He worked at Plainfield Stamping for many years until the plant closed. He then started his own online Power Sports Business. You would think he owned a junk yard. He was doing something he loved. His passion for toys, motors, gears and people ignited this man. People came from all over or would just show up. He worked on snowmobiles, jet skis, cars, motorcycles you name it. He never turned anyone way and could fix just about anything. He was a genuine soul who touched so any lives. We will always remember the "Gooch" who lived life Full Throttle. Dan is preceded in death by his Father and Mother (Donald and Nancy) and his father in law (Patrick Liker) He is survived by the love of his life Barbi, his two children Tori and Daniel Jr. His siblings: Donald Jr. (Sharon) , Sheryl (Jeff) Puro all of New Lenox, Dianna (Kevin) Hays of Coal City, Anthony (Natalie) of Lockport and Joann also of Coal City. Also survived are numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. All friends and relatives are invited to join us in celebrating "Gooch's" life on Saturday November 19, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. until a prayer service begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe page in Daniel's name has been established. For further information (815) 741-5500 or visit his memorial tribute at www.fredcdames.com.