Raffelina Ruffino

Today on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 we said farewell to our beloved Mother Raffelina (Rae) Ruffino, at the beautiful, ripe old age of 93. She is resting now, no longer in a struggle to live, but at peace.

Raffelina was a uniquely special person, with a heart of gold, giving selflessly to all she encountered. She loved her family from the time she became a mother to her sons, Angelo and Donny, to loving her Daughter-in laws Myrna and Terri, many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

She left such a lasting impression on all of us throughout her life. She welcomed everyone she met into her home, devoting most of her life to preparing and cooking incredible and delicious meals. She was known for her amazing authentic traditional Italian dishes. Some of our favorites include manicotti, marinara sauce, bragiole, meatballs and baked ziti. Her pasteria de grano was unmatched along with her struffoli and rum balls around the holidays. We’ll miss her presence in the kitchen but we’ll keep her traditions and recipes alive to continue her legacy to pass along to our children.

Rae was not only an excellent cook, but also an accomplished, talented and creative seamstress. She adorned so many of us in her beautiful garments. From wedding gowns, to Grand kids pj’s. She spent many years providing for her son’s lives by sewing in her home. She was also an incredible embroiderer and needle pointer. In her early years in Brooklyn she was employed at a garment factory, making bathing suits.

She cared about her own health and well being, by staying physically active and nutritionally committed to longevity and wellness. She made many life longfriends during her most active years.

She was devoted to God and the scriptures beginning with her faith in her church in her hometown of Afragola, Italy, where she sang in the choir. She later turned to a deeper understanding of God, which led to a love for intimate teachings and in home gatherings.

Raffelina was born on December 23, 1932 to Domenic and Maria Amista in Afragola, Italy. She lived through some very trying times, surviving World War II as the oldest daughter of 5 helping to care for her younger siblings. She married her first husband Aniello Magliulo in October of 1953 in her home town. He set sail for America soon after the wedding where she would join him in Brooklyn, NY a year later. This was the beginning of a new life for her, where she was welcomed by her husband and new family. After losing Aniello to a tragic accident in 1963, she carried on for another 8 years as a widow and mother caring for Angelo and Donny. After 8 years passed, she met and married John Finnegan. He would also lose his life at an early age. Rae persisted and remained strong until she met and married Mario Ruffino. He passed on after almost 40years of marriage. She would then close up her house and move to live with her children for her final years.

She is survived by her children Angelo and Myrna Magliulo of North Tonawanda, NY and Domenico and Terri Magliulo of Brielle NJ. Her grandchildren Natalia Giammarinaro, Angelo (Katharine)Magliulo, Vincent (Hannah) Magliulo, Raymond (Victoria) Magliulo, Gabrielle(Matthew) Ruffino, Nicco Ruffino and Tessa Magliulo.

And many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews. Her brothers Antonio Amista and Marco (Maria)Amista.

Raffelina is preceded in death by her husbands, Aniello Magliulo, John Finnegan, and Mario Ruffino. Her parents, Domenico and Maria Amista. Her sister Amalia Amista, nephew Domenico Amista, Sister Assunta De Stefano and brother-in-law Giuseppe De Stephano. Grandson Neil Magliulo and sister in law Anna Rosa Amista.

Burial and funeral services will be private. We will also plant a tree in her memory at the home of her children in Fillmore NY.

A message to all who knew Rae, friends from Brooklyn, Hampton VA, and Brielle NJ and everywhere in between. Rae cherished her friendships and acquaintances and kept you all close to her heart.

A special thank you to Donny and Terri Magliulo for the years of care they provided for Mom. She was truly loved above and beyond comparison.

A Poem for Mother by D. Underwood

Mother, you were just a girl,

So many years ago.

You had your loves and had your dreams,

You watched us come and go.

You watched us make the same mistakes,

That you had made before,

But that just made you hold us tight,

And love us all the more.

We haven’t always thought about

The things that you have seen.

To us you’ve just been ‘Mother’,

No thought of who you’ve been.

But we remember now in love,

Your life from start to end,

And we’re just glad we knew you,

As Mother, and as Friend.