Robert J. Ruff, 73, deputy chief and fire marshal

Robert J. Ruff, 73, of Philadelphia, a retired deputy chief and fire marshal who served the city's Fire Department for 45 years, died Sunday, Aug. 2, of cancer at home.

Mr. Ruff's life centered on family and work.

Former Fire Commissioner Harold B. Hairston said Mr. Ruff had "a way about him that demanded excellence and attention to detail."

In the field, Mr. Ruff was respected and loved by the firefighters, Hairston said. When the commissioner asked Mr. Ruff to become a fire marshal and work out of the department's headquarters in 1997, he initially didn't want the assignment.

"It's a hard job, but he took hold, and people ended up respecting him," Hairston said. "He was as good as it gets."

Born and reared in Northeast Philadelphia, Mr. Ruff was the son of Edwin and Marie Ruff. He attended Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary School and Olney High School.

In October 1964, he joined the Fire Department as a firefighter. He rose to lieutenant in 1972, captain in 1974, battalion chief in 1979, and deputy chief in 1997.

"Mr. Ruff loved his job, and he shared this sentiment with all he met," his family said.

He worked at firehouses throughout the city. Firefighters said he mentored them, helped them climb the career ladder, and cared about them as people, not just as colleagues.

"Bob Ruff never treated a firefighter under his command as a subordinate. And he never forgot that he once wore those beginner's boots," said his friend Thomas J. Gibbons Jr., a retired Inquirer reporter.

"Perhaps that's why he was so admired. He knew the dangers his people faced, and, as a battalion chief, he always could be found directing near the crux of the line attacking a blaze.

"When he was promoted into an office at fire headquarters downtown, his reputation followed him. He was a revered commander," Gibbons said.

Mr. Ruff retired from the department in 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Therese Murray Ruff; daughters Lisa and Susanne Hanson; sons Robert and Francis; five grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

A visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 10, both at Maternity B.V.M. Roman Catholic Church, 9220 Old Bustleton Ave. Interment is private.

Donations may be made to the Hero Thrill Show, c/o Philadelphia Fire Fighters' Union Local 22, 415 N. Fifth St., Philadelphia 19123.