Former Ruiner drummer Anthony “TJ” Catalfo has died following a battle with stage 4 colon cancer. He passed away on July 29 after undergoing treatment that began in late 2024.
Catalfo played drums for Ruiner from 2009 to 2010 during what was expected to be the band’s final years. Following news of his passing, Ruiner shared a tribute remembering him as a kind-hearted person whose optimism stood out during their time together on the road.
“He became the annoying little brother in the van pretty much immediately,” the band wrote. “Not because he was mean spirited or an asshole. It was mostly because he wasn’t. He didn’t share the same jaded and pessimistic outlook that the rest of us had at the time. He saw the world through a lens most of us had forgotten, to him, everything still held so much beauty that we took for granted.”
The band added, “TJ lost his battle with cancer today. He will be remembered as a genuinely good and kind natured person. He leaves behind a wife and three daughters that truly love one another. This was too soon for this young man.”
A Meal Train page established to support the Catalfo family remains active for those wishing to contribute.
