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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Avid yachtsman Thomas J. "TJ" Aruffo, 49, who survived the infamous Fastnet Race of 1979 and enjoyed many years of ocean racing aboard his sailihg yacht "Reggae," died suddenly last week.
Born in Drexel Hill, Pa., on May 30, 1958, TJ was an Eagle Scout and attended Bridgewater High School in New Jersey.
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982 and enjoyed a distinguished career as a naval aviator, flying the F14 Tomcat in carrier aviation worldwide. After 14 years serving our country, he entered the private sector, holding executive positions with Fortune 500 companies, most recently as the chief information officer for Cott Corporation in Tampa, Fla.
An avid ocean yachtsman, TJ survived the infamous Fastnet Race of 1979 and enjoyed many subsequent years of ocean racing with friends and family aboard his sailing yacht, "Reggae."
A devoted husband and father, TJ leaves behind his loving wife of 25 years, Marie Aruffo (Fordham), and his beautiful children Matthew, 20, and Meghan,18, all of St. Petersburg. He is also survived by his mother, Helen Aruffo; father, A. John Aruffo; sisters, Amy Spaeth, Holly Dunn, Jenifer Stiles; and his mother- and father-in-law, William and Marie Fordham, and their families.
Memorial donations may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, Md. 21402; www.usna.com. Visit the family's personalized online guestbook at www.AndersonMcQueen.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home in St. Petersburg
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