November 16, 2021. Rufino is predeceased by his parents, Rufino, Sr. and Florentina S. Tabilin. He is also predeceased by his siblings Filipina, Ramon, and Crispin.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 46 years, Melba Flores Tabilin; daughters, Rumellee and husband Erwin; and Kimberly and husband Justin; brothers, Roberto, Antonio, Edmundo; sisters, Lilia, and Loida. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Giovanni, Liam, Mathilde, Lourdes, Conrad, and Julian. Rufino will be missed by his large extended family and his dearest friends whom he considered family, The Kabuti.
Rufino was born on June 7, 1944 in Sto. Tomas, Pangasinian, Philippines. He retired from the
United States Navy after 22 years of service; during his service, he received several good
conduct awards, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a Vietnam service medal. Rufino
retired from civil service at Little Creek Commissary in 2006 to enjoy time with his
grandchildren.
Rufino will be remembered for his humor, he was always telling jokes and funny stories; making
everyone laugh so hard that it hurt to breathe. He loved to cook and bake. Among his family
and friends, his dinner rolls, giblet gravy and homemade pizza were the favorites. His love of
coffee was only rivaled by his love of singing. During family parties or an afternoon at home, he
would perform karaoke. Everyone enjoyed his rendition of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" or Bobby
Lee's "Take Good Care of My Baby." When his grandchildren were babies, he could often be
found holding one of them in his arms with a microphone in his hand, singing on his karaoke
machine.
There will be a visitation to celebrate Rufino’s life on Monday, November 22, 2021 from 4:00
P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home at 4889 Princess Anne Rd. in Virginia
Beach. There will be a funeral mass at Church of the Ascension at 4853 Princess Anne Rd. in
Virginia Beach on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with a reception to follow at the
funeral home.
Please visit www.SmithandWilliamsKempsville.com to leave a message of condolence for the
family.
