Jerry Rufo

06/18/2003

Jerry Rufo, 89, a resident of the Village at Laurel Lake in Lee, died Wednesday at its Center for Health and Rehabilitation. Born in Pittsfield on Dec. 5, 1913, son of Antonio and Carmella Desena Rufo, he attended Pittsfield schools. He served in the National Guard during World War II. During the war, he worked as an auto mechanic in Rufoâ€™s Garage, the family business. He was employed as an acetylene machine operator in the fabrication department of the GE Ordnance Systems Division for 34 years, retiring in March 1974. He was shop steward for 10 years. A homebuilder, Mr. Rufo did his own wiring, plumbing, sheetrocking and masonry work, and enjoyed puttering and fixing things. He also enjoyed gardening, making wine and baking. His wife, the former Anna Mae Jenne, whom he married Oct. 15, 1933, in Notre Dame Church, died Dec. 14, 1996. He leaves two sons, George F. Rufo Sr. of Richmond and William A. Rufo of Lenox; two brothers, Anthony Rufo of Richmond and Daniel Rufo of Old Chatham, N.Y.; two sisters, Rose Rufo Hess of Eugene, Ore., and Antonette Marino of Worcester; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Another son, Gerald A. Rufo, died May 22, 2002. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Funeral services for Jerry Rufo, who died Wednesday, June 18, will be held Monday, June 23, at 10:15 from the DERY FUNERAL HOME, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 at St. Markâ€™s Church. Burial will follow in St. Josephâ€™s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Sunday, June 22, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Mr. Rufo also leaves his loving caregivers, Crystal Moening and Deborah Mougin, and his devoted wellness nurse, Peggy Pixley. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Rufo may be made to the Alzheimerâ€™s Association of Western Massachusetts in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.

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