Donald Ruffatto

Born on October 12, 1936, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, he passed peacefully at his home in Kahului, Maui, Hawaii on January 25, 2026, surrounded by family. He is now at rest with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with his beloved wife of 64 years, Arlene, who preceded him in death in 2023. Affectionately known as “Papa,” he lived a life marked by love, devotion to family, and an enduring faith that guided him through his years.

Papa joined the Navy at the age of 17. He completed his duty and left to attend college at the University of Michigan. He was and will always be a diehard Green Bay Packers fan.

Papa’s legacy is written not only in the quiet strength of his character, but in the remarkable work he led and the people he brought together. In the late 1960s, he bravely left Michigan with his wife and three young children and moved to Maui to continue his career as an electrical engineer, beginning a lifelong chapter of innovation and leadership in the islands he came to call home. He played a pivotal role in advancing ground-based and airborne laser radar systems, coordinating complex installations on Maui and beyond with steady leadership and deep technical insight. From demonstrating the tracking of low-earth orbit satellites atop Haleakala, to managing sea-based telescopes monitoring missile launches at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Papa was a trusted partner to the Army, Air Force, and Navy. He had a rare gift for uniting brilliant minds, guiding teams with humility and purpose, and seeing ambitious projects through to success. Serving later as Textron’s Director of Hawaii operations, he left an enduring mark on both the scientific community and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Donald is predeceased by his wife, Arlene Ruffatto, son Jeffrey Ruffatto, son-in-law Alan Kahuhu, parents Domenic and Carrie Ruffatto and sister, Dorothy Sandona. He is survived by his daughters Lynn Hicks (James) and Lisa Kahuhu, his sister, Debbie Gubala (Jim), and daughter-in-law, Nancy Reynaud-Vandervoort. Grandchildren Darren Kawika Aguinaldo (Reyna), Krystyn Iokia (JP), Brandon Baricuatro (Melissa), Scott Hicks (Lauren), Jeff Hicks (Maxine), Libby Hicks (Jake), Kristine Kahuhu (Pila), Lyndsey Kahuhu, Keani Kahuhu-Aquino (Mason), and Luke Kahuhu. Great grandchildren Gabriella Kanoa, Ian Aguinaldo, James Kemper, Nehemiah Kahuhu, Kulia, Makoa, and Kahiau Iokia, Kennedy and Wesley Poulos, Leilani, Izak, Ryan, Sophia and Carmen Baricuatro, Graham, Grace, and Jack Hicks, Madden and Maguire San Miguel, Brooke and Hayden Hicks, Delilah, Duncan, and baby Kahuhu-Aquino on the way. He is additionally survived by Rusty Iokia (Alisha and Mana), his sister-in-law Bevy Gentelia, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and his best friend Sunny, his French Bulldog.

Through his journey of 89 years, he touched many lives with his wisdom, humor, and compassion. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered by all who knew him. We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the endless love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever. His remarkable life will forever be an inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing him. A hui hou Papa!!

Private family services are pending with burial to follow in Iron Mountain. Donations in Donald’s memory can be made to St. Judes, Hawaii Shriners, Ronald McDonald House, or Covenant House.