Donald Joseph DiRuzza, age 84, of Canton, OH, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Charlotte, NC. Don was born July 1, 1937, to his parents Serafino and Josephine (Atteniese) DiRuzza, and was a long-time resident of both Canton and Sarasota, FL. A 1956 graduate of Lincoln High School, he served eight years in the Army National Guard. On August 27, 1960, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol Wilson, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Canton. Together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage and had four daughters, one son, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was a role model to his children and grandchildren. Put simply, he was their biggest fan. The love of this family was his primary focus, and his unwavering cheerful outlook was his finest trait. During Don's career, he founded Ethel Wilson's Fashions in Downtown Canton on Cleveland Avenue with his mother-in law, Ethel Wilson. They eventually opened six retail stores in the Canton and Akron area. The store participated in the annual Football Hall of Fame Fashion Show, and Don served as a member of the Hall of Fame Committee. He was a long-time member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church parishes in Canton and Siesta Key, FL, and St. Thomas More in Sarasota, FL. Additionally, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Don never met a stranger and truly valued his friendships from Ohio, Siesta Key and Sarasota, FL. He had a magnetic personality and possessed a love for life. He was optimistic, energetic, and liked to stay busy. Don loved the outdoors, swimming, the beach, washing his cars, cleaning out the garage and tending to his flowers and tomatoes. He was an active tennis player, getting up every morning to play tennis with good friends while in Siesta Key. When in Canton, rarely a day passed that Don was not at the Hall of Fame Fitness Center enjoying a morning workout. In the evenings you could find him watching his favorite sports teams or enjoying a card game at The Four Winds or Lolli's. Don was equally proud of his Italian heritage. Every year he attended the Italian American Festival and was an early member of the Unique Club of Stark County. Don loved to golf with his buddies, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and on his annual golf outing to St. Augustine, FL. He loved the comradery of golf. In 1987, this passion led Don to help establish a family golf outing and picnic "The DiRuzza Open", the highlight of the year for him. Survivors include his wife, Carol; brother, Richard (Judy) DiRuzza of Hadley, MA; four daughters: Melinda (Scott) Brachmann of Winnetka, IL, Marci (Derek) Jones of Fort Mill, SC, Michelle (Scott) Kauffman of Canton, and Monica (Arnie) Rochester of Rocky River, OH; nine grandchildren: Spencer (Kristin) Kauffman, Zachary Kauffman, Mason, Pierce and Shelby Brachmann, Samantha and Marisa Jones, Reece and Ella Rochester; great-granddaughter Spencer Nicole Kauffman; brother-in law Elmer Corbit, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents; son Gregory; brother Louis DiRuzza; sisters Loretta Corbit and Carmie McMahan; sister-in-law Mary Lou DiRuzza and brother-in-law Vic McMahan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a. m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Canton. Family and friends may gather at the church beginning at 9:00 a. m. Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Siffrin Inc, 3688 Dressler Rd NW, Canton, OH 44718 or American Heart Association. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald J. DiRuzza, please visit our floral store. div. ptwp-tree {min-width:400px;float: right;}A Memorial Tree was planted for DonaldWe are deeply sorry for your loss - the staff at Rossi Family Funeral Home, Inc. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree