NORTH PORT — While trying to figure out who would print the programs for former circus trainer Manuel “Junior” Ruffin’s memorial service, Dave Garofalo received a phone call that changed everything.

“The girl on the other end of the phone seemed shy,” said the North Port City Commission chair. “She said that Manny Ruffin was a great customer at Office Depot and they were saddened by his passing. They offered to do any printing needed. I didn’t even have to ask. They just offered.”

Ruffin, 72, was the first African-American circus wild animal trainer who earlier this year was inducted into Sarasota’s circus Ring of Fame — the highest honor a circus performer can receive. The North Port man died Sept. 14.

The Office Depot employee told Garofalo that Ruffin never picked up two copies of the book he wrote called “In a Big Cage — The Life of Manuel ‘Junior’ Ruffin.”

“I picked them up and gave one copy to his family and borrowed the other to read,” Garofalo said. “In the first five pages, I was crying. Manny was raised by his grandmother. His mom left when he was 2 and his dad was estranged. He was about to join Clyde Beatty and the circus at age 13 in 1952. His grandmother told him, ‘If you smile, the world will smile with you, but if you cry, you will have to cry alone. Treat people like you want to be treated. Show love and respect, and that will carry you further than anything else. If something’s not yours, leave it alone.’”

Garofalo later learned that a city council in Los Angeles ended its recent meeting by remembering Ruffin, who began his circus work in California.

Garofalo has been raising money for Ruffin’s funeral, which had been delayed due to planning and funding issues.

Ruffin lived in North Port for more than 30 years and few knew about his circus background, which included him working as an animal trainer with the Hoxie Bros. Circus under the stage name “Prince Bogino.” He also was the trainmaster for Ringling Bros.

“His family didn’t have the money and we wanted to give him the proper memorial,” Garofalo said, adding that Ruffin helped bring the circus to the city earlier this year in performances in a big top off Toledo Blade Boulevard. “I’ve been calling everyone I know to get help.”

On Monday, a visitation is planned from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Farley Funeral Home North Port Chapel, 5900 S. Biscayne Drive. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the George Mullen Activity Center, off Sumter Boulevard in North Port.

Garofalo said another part of Ruffin’s book touched him.

“Manny wrote that his grandmother told him she was an old lady, but she loved him,” Garofalo said. “She told him, ‘You go out, but you take God with you. You try to do what you think is right and you’ll be OK. I do love you. I don’t know if what you are doing is the right thing, but you will always be in my prayers.’

“It was so touching,” Garofalo said. “I hope people will be able to read Manny’s book one day. He even wanted to build a center here and work with disadvantaged children. He wanted to have a colorful room dedicated to Clyde Beatty, who gave him his start.”

An account for anyone wishing to make donations toward Ruffin’s funeral expenses has been set up at Wachovia Bank in North Port.

For more information or to help, call Garofalo at 941-628-2919.

E-mail: eallen@sun-herald.com