

Gene was born in Brighton, Massachusetts, on April 18, 1933, to Mariano and Florence Rufo. In 1951, he proudly joined the United States Air Force, where he served as a medic with a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit. During his service, he had the opportunity to travel through some of Europe's most beautiful landscapes, including the Italian and Swiss Alps, places he would always remember fondly.
In 1972, Gene and his wife, Patty, moved from Brighton to the beach community of Hyannis with their four sons and three of his sisters. It was there that they made their home and built a life filled with family, love, and countless memories.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Patty Rufo (Fetch), and their four sons: Gene Rufo (Fia Del Campo) of St. Petersburg, Florida; Carl Rufo (Carol Berens) of Claremont, California; Paul Rufo of Hyannis, Massachusetts; and Guy Rufo (Maura Jepsen) of Hyannis, Massachusetts.
He is also survived by his loving sisters, Norma Atkinson and Gloria Sica, both of Centerville, Massachusetts. He is reunited in Heaven with his siblings Marian Tenaglia, Danté Rufo, and Deanna Teal.
Gene leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Elliot Rufo (Danielle Viau), Michael Rufo, Molly Stafford (Jake Stafford), Emma Rufo, Stephen Rufo, Derek Rufo, Kyle Rufo, Marissa Rufo, Grace Rufo, Daniel Rufo, and Carlo Rufo, as well as his cherished great-grandson, Felix Rufo. He will also be deeply missed by his extended family and many dear friends.
Family was everything to Gene, and he meant the world to his family. He shared a particularly close bond with his grandchildren and great-grandson, and he took great pride in being there for them. He was always ready to offer guidance and encouragement through life's challenges and to celebrate their accomplishments, big or small. Whether sharing his wisdom, lending a hand, or simply being there when they needed him, Gene made sure his family knew how much he loved them. The memories they shared and the lessons he passed along will stay with them always.
Above all, Gene will be remembered for the love and devotion he gave as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The family he and Patty built, the values he passed on, and the love he shared will live on for generations to come. His loss leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of those who love him, but the stories, memories, and traditions he leaves behind will keep him close.
With grateful hearts for the life he lived and the love he gave so freely, his family finds comfort in knowing that Gene, lovingly known as Bepa, is now at peace, resting in the loving arms of God.
Services will be private.
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