William (Billy) Noel Ruffen, Jr., was born in Boston on February 29, 1964, to William Ruffen, Sr. (deceased) and H. Jean Ruffen (deceased). Known affectionately as both the "second" child and the "baby" due to his leap year birth, Billy embodied warmth and joy throughout his life.

Raised in Roxbury, Billy attended Trotter School elementary, where he took drum lessons, Curly Middle School, Roxbury High School, and Madison Park High School.

He was an altar boy at St. John’s and St. James church in Roxbury and sang in the children’s choir.

He was a Cub and Boy Scout at St. Marks church under Scout Leader Larry Brewington, and his mother was the Den mother. Growing up he enjoyed summers in Scituate with his nana and Papaguts, riding bikes, hanging out with Augusto, visting uncle Nini and aunt and playing in the dump looking for “cool stuff”.

Billy had a passionate love of food—a passion he inherited from his father. Following in his father's footsteps, Billy dedicated his career to the food service industry throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He worked for Aramark at various local institutions, including Simmons University, Boston University, and Wheelock College. He also served as head chef at “Backstage” restaurant part of the Comedy Connection in historic Faneuil Hall.

Due to an injury Billy was unable to continue to work in the vigorous environment of restaurant kitchen, however he continued to cook by taking on periodic jobs through Aramark contacts.

Billy is survived by his sister Dyan Ruffen-Madrey, brothers Michael A. Ruffen and Erick T. Ruffen, sister-in-law Tania Buck-Ruffen, numerous nieces and nephews including Taniqua Ruffen, Michael A Ruffen Jr, Michael Aaron Madrey, several great-nephews and great-nieces, aunt Edna Seay, cousins Sharon, Angie, and David Seay, numerous friends including his best friend David Sealy, and his beloved God-daughter Cerra Cogdell.

Funeral Service Tuesday, October 20, in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, at 11 o'clock. Visiting Hour 10 - 11 am.

Interment Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston.