Coventry school psychologist who died March 18 was 'advocate for the underdog'

COVENTRY − The town's schools are mourning the death on March 18 of school psychologist Louis F. Ruffolo, who was involved with many students with special-education plans over the last two decades.

"Over his 23-plus years in Coventry, he worked at almost every school and level," said Schools Supt. Don Cowart, who noted that Ruffolo, 54, of North Kingstown, had been at Coventry High School for the last 11 years.

It was not uncommon for Ruffolo to work at the high school with students he had previously worked with in elementary or middle school, Cowart said. He also coached the high school's unified basketball team, which blends athletes who have special-education plans with those who do not, and the boy's junior varsity soccer team.

"He typically worked with kids who were in crisis, kids who struggled," Cowart said.

He also helped students with special needs transition from the highly supportive school environment to a more independent life after graduation, often taking students on outings to stores and other nonacademic environments, Cowart said, "so they could learn the life skills they needed to be successful."

Ruffolo was not shy about speaking his mind on behalf of students, the superintendent said.

"He was a strong advocate for the underdog," Cowart said. "He wanted to make sure kids got what they deserved, so he worked hard to advocate for them.

"Everybody respected his opinion. When he spoke, people listened."

Cowart declined to say how Ruffolo had died, deferring to Ruffolo's family, who did not respond to a message left by The Providence Journal.

The North Kingstown police, who confirmed Sunday that they had investigated Ruffolo's death, declined to say more.

Tributes to Ruffolo poured in online, both on a GoFundMe set up to pay for his children's education and in comments on Facebook posts announcing his death.

"Dr. Ruffolo was a huge inspiration," Carissa Sanatagata posted on the GoFundMe entry. "Thank you for all that you did for me at my time at Coventry High School. I will always remember the first time he trusted me to cut his hair. Rest in peace to an amazing soul."

"His kindness never went unnoticed in our community," Gabrielle Beaulieu also stated at the GoFundMe site.

"Lou was loved and respected by the RI community of school psychologists," wrote Jenlyn Furey, also on GoFundMe. "He was an outstanding mentor, colleague and friend. He made a profound impact on the lives of so many people, always going above and beyond."

"I'm not even sure how to talk to my son about this," Jen Chabot wrote on Facebook. "Dr. Lou has been so good with Tommy over the years. Whether it was playing basketball or sitting and chatting over coffee, he always connected with the kids."

"Lou Ruffalo was very instrumental in my sons' successes throughout the Coventry School System," Lisa Andrade Avedisian wrote on Facebook. "He will always be remembered as a teacher who went the extra yard to get to know the child within the student."

The Autism Project, based in Johnston, posted a farewell on its Facebook page: "Lou, you touched the hearts and minds of everyone within The Autism Project family. Your openness and warmth welcomed all, and each day, we were privileged to learn from you. As a psychologist, you were a beacon of inspiration for your students, providing them with the greatest role model."

Perhaps the most eloquent valediction was posted by Ruffolo's wife, Jessica, on the GoFundMe site: "Lou, may you rest in peace, and know you were truly loved and appreciated."

Where to turn if you are considering suicide

Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.

Other resources:

• BHLink: For confidential support and to get connected to care, call (401) 414-LINK (5465) or visit the BHLink 24-hour/7-day triage center at 975 Waterman Ave., East Providence. Website: https://www.bhlink.org
• The Samaritans of Rhode Island: (401) 272-4044 or (800) 365-4044. Website: samaritansri.org
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK, or (800) 273-8255
• The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 “from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.”
• Butler Hospital Behavioral Health Services Call Center: Available 24/7 “to guide individuals seeking advice for themselves or others regarding suicide prevention.” (844) 401-0111
• Thrive Behavioral Health's Emergency Services' 24-hour crisis hotline: 401-738-4300.