On November 23, 2009, the Reverend Paul F. Ruzzo was called to his rest and to the glory of the Resurrection promised by the Lord. He was 53 years old.
Father Ruzzo was born on September 7, 1956 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, where he grew up and was educated, and was very active at St. Margaret’s Church.
Fr. Paul was ordained a priest on April 30, 1983. He was assigned as associate pastor of Saint Paul Parish in Franklin, NH in June, 1983 and then as associate pastor of Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish in Manchester in October, 1986. In January, 2002, He served as associate pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Dover. In June, 1990, Father Ruzzo was appointed pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Litchfield. In July, 2005, he was appointed pastor of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish in Salem and in September, 2008, as pastor of Saint Patrick Parish in Pelham.
Father Ruzzo had served as chaplain to many Police and Fire Departments. Among them, the Manchester Fire Department, Hooksett Police Department, Dover Fire Department, Salem Police Department and the Pelham Fire and Police Departments. He served as chaplain to Manchester Council #92, Knights of Columbus, State Chaplain to the Catholic War Vets, chaplain at St. Joseph Regional Junior High School, and served as Regional Director for New England Region of the Federation of Fire Chaplains and Chaplain to the Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Hampshire. Fr. Paul was a very enthusiastic participant for the Exceptional Citizens Week at Camp Fatima in Gilmanton, NH. He enjoyed traveling, and trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas. He will be missed by many.
Predeceased by his parents: Pasquale J. & Ann F. (Walsh) Ruzzo
Survived by his brother: Robert M. & his Wife Susan Ruzzo of Melrose, MA
2 Sisters: Sr. Maryanne Ruzzo, SC of Melrose, MA
Jeanmarie & her Husband Brendan Browne of Dorchester, MA
Nephew & Nieces: Patrick Ruzzo, & Jennifer & Emily Browne
Aunts: Gilda Monahan of Cherry Hill, NJ
Dorothy Ruzzo of Medfield, MA
Numerous Cousins
On Friday, November 27, 2009, a wake will be held at Saint Patrick Church, Pelham, N.H. At 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2009 the Rite of Reception of the Body will take place at Saint Patrick Church in Pelham. Father Ruzzo will lie in state in the church until 8:00 p.m. Solemn Vespers will be held at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday morning there will be a wake at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester from 9:00-9:45 a.m. The Most Reverend John B. McCormack, Bishop of Manchester, will preside at a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Joseph Cathedral, 145 Lowell Street, Manchester on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The Rite of Committal will be celebrated after Mass at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Bedford, New Hampshire. The Douglas and Johnson Funeral Home at 214 Main Street in Salem, New Hampshire has care of the arrangements.
With faith and hope in eternal life, let us commend our brother to the love and mercy of God and assist him with our prayers. The statutes of the Diocese of Manchester request that we offer three Masses for the repose of his soul.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Fatima Exceptional Citizens Week, PO Box 206, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837 or to New England Center for Children: 33 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772-2108.