Di Ruffia was the son of Roberto Biscaretti di Ruffia, a senator of the Kingdom of Italy who established Fiat in 1899,[1] and noblewoman Beatrice Ferrero. He was the brother of technical designer Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia and grandson of senator and general Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia.[2]
Having committed to a naval career, di Ruffia enrolled in the Italian Naval Academy on 18 October 1881.[2] He became a member of the Società Geografica Italiana in 1908 and developed an interest in military cartography for the Italian Regia Marina ("Royal Navy"). From 1911 to 1912, he participated in the Italo-Turkish War with the rank of frigate captain in command of the destroyer Artigliere. On 21 May 1916, during World War I, he was appointed aide-de-camp to King Victor Emmanuel III, and maintained the honorary title until 1917.
On 10 August 1923, di Ruffia became President of the Superior Navy Council, a post he held until 1 August 1925. He was promoted to squadron admiral in 1926 and became a senator of the Kingdom of Italy on 22 December 1928.[2]
Di Ruffia married Maria Voli and was the father of two children, Roberto and Paolo. He left office in 1945 and died in Rome in 1946.
Kingdom of Italy
Regia Marina
