It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Fr. Gianfranco M. Ruzza C.R.S.P. after a long illness, at his residence at St. James Parish, on March 29, 2017. Son of Uberto and Dolores Ruzza (Di Girolamo). Brother of Arnaldo Ruzza, Marcello Ruzza (deceased), Sister Annamaria Giorgetti Ruzza and Bishop Gianenrico Ruzza, (nephew, -recently ordained Bishop) and nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. Father Ruzza was born February 21, 1934 in Rome, Italy. After elementary and high school, he studied Theology at Propaganda Fide in Rome and at Our Lady of the Angels Seminary at Niagara University from 1954 – 1958.
He entered the Barnabite novitiate in Monza 1949 – 1950, and made his simple profession September 29 1950. Father made his solemn profession in Rome on October 11, 1955. In 1957, Father was ordained a Deacon in Buffalo, N.Y. and on March 1, 1958, Father was ordained a priest in Buffalo, N.Y. Father taught math at Bishop Gibbons High School in North Tonawanda, N.Y. for 6 years, Was Shrine Director at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston, N.Y. for 13 years, and was Provincial Superior for the Barnabite Father's North American Province for 9 years (1976-1985). Father was also Pastor at Holy Family Parish on the Tuscarora Indian Reserve for 15 years and later parish priest in various communities from 1987 to the present.
Fr. Ruzza has been involved in various parishes in the Hamilton Diocese since 1987 to the present, serving at St. John's Parish in Guelph for 13 years, Our Lady of the Assumption for 3 years, and at St. James Parish in Oakville from 2004 to the present. Fr. Ruzza has been very involved with LARK and was instrumental in creating a covenant with St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Guelph. Father was an avid reader with a gentle humble heart, loved by many of the parishioners he served. Visitations will take place at St. James Parish, Monday, April 3, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 AM Wednesday Morning. Interment will take place Thursday at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, in Lewiston New York. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. James Parish or The Barnabite Fathers.