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Heather Felix posted a condolence
Many fond memories of a wonderful and generous man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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blum family posted a condolence
richard, ray, nicole, i am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Rufa was a great man and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the community. my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
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Patricia Arquitt posted a condolence
Dear family of frankie
So very many people will miss him and remember his kindness, his jokes and laughter. He gave everyone food on tab during hard times. He was a great addition to our town, we will remember him with smiles he would like it that way.
Patsy
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Gus & Shelia McDonald posted a condolence
Jerry we are sorry to hear of the passing of you Dad, our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Gus & Shelia
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Jeremy Best posted a condolence
When I was a child I loved going to my Great Uncle Frankie's store. There was always a piece of bologna or ham in it for me. I had to endure a little teasing, but Frankie always rewarded me for taking his jibes. At least that is how I saw things back then. Now, in retrospect, I believe he was giving me the snack to keep me busy so I would not get in trouble in the store, of which I also have memories. For me, Frankie was a part of the fabric that helped hold Winthrop and Brasher together. No matter what, he was always at the store and ready to visit with whoever walked in. There has been a Rufa presence at the corner of State Rt 11c and Maple Street for well over 100 years and I hope that this tradition continues for some time to come. But, regardless of what the family has in mind for the store, I will always look at it as Rufa's Store, much like I look at what is now the Pit Stop Bar and think to myself, that used to be Rufa's Restaurant, where Uncle Frankie and my Grandmother, Gracie, and my Aunt Anna, grew up, along with their brother Paulie. With the passing of Frankie, I cannot help but think of my father, Michael, Frankie's nephew, who passed away last month. I am sure that Dad met with Frankie upon his arrival in heaven today and the two of them are busy taking the tour and discussing their plans for their next lives. If I know the two of them, they are probably making arrangements to open a store that sells cold meat and insurance to everyone who arrives from Brasher and Winthrop.
God Bless you Uncle Frankie, you will always live in your family's hearts.
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Terry and Kathy Gardner posted a condolence
Ahhhh, i am so saddend by the loss of Frankie, he will be missed by so many. He was such an asset to the tri town community, he truly cared about each and every one of us. Peace to the family.
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Vida Kish Ehrman posted a condolence
I was saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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don lafave posted a condolence
winthrop lost a ledgend! such a thoughtful,kindhearted generous,funloveing man! oh how he loved to talk about all the great family accompolishments! to the family my deepest sympathies!
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Kevin & Laurie Toomey posted a condolence
Dear Peggy and family,
We have such great memories of Frankie and the store we will cherish them! as you all will of your wonderful father, grandfather and husband. We are honored to have known him!
Love, Kevin and Laurie
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angela durant posted a condolence
pray and thoughts to the family. sorry to hear the loss of a icon of winthrop.
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Matthew Best posted a condolence
The images of Frankie behind the counter at his store and sitting on its front stoop are indelible memories from my childhood. I remember shyly buying candy and soda from him. He would playfully tease me, often eluding that my parents might want to know about all the sweets I was eating. I always knew that he was kidding, but he was part of the watchful eye of family. Thinking back on these memories, I take comfort in knowing that he was -- in a small way -- looking out for me.
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Candace L Riggs posted a condolence
So saddened about Frankie My cousin Missy and I went into frankie's store many times when we were growing up and me many more times after. Thinking of all those great times and of what a great man he was and how lucky I was to have him in my life when I was younger. My heart goes out to rufa family.
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Debby Sweeney posted a condolence
To the rufa family,. your dad was a very wonderful man. i remember going in and have a good chat with. he will be saddly missed.
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Melinda & Doug Douglas posted a condolence
Our hearts & prayers go out to you during this very difficult time! I remember Frankie with very fond memories throughout my childhood as the friendly guy at the grocery store & as my smiley mail carrier. Take comfort in knowing that this community & the world was a much better place because Frankie was here!
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J.LaBrake posted a condolence
My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. May you find comfort knowing his in the arms of a very loving father now.
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TERRY FRANCIS posted a condolence
so saddened for your loss, frank will be missed dearly.my father always brought us kids to the store for treats and his smile and kindness was always present, a true tri-town legend,many fond memories over the span of just my life, it was a pleasure knowing him.great family.
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Fran Catlin posted a condolence
I feel so bad. I used to have the best talks with Frankie as a kid. That was a REAL sneak to go there for candy as a kid.. and I loved the adventure. He was a great guy.as I grew older ..as we all say he was there in either the front of the store or in the back ..by the cooler. I can remember calling his name to pay for what I had purchased.
I can only say.. we again have lost a part of Winthrop.. a GOOD Rufa part. . You Frankie, and all are missed.A wonderful family !! God Bless
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roxanne and gary munson posted a condolence
we were so saddened by the loss of Frankie.I remember going there with my sister when she moved to town when i was only 12. He always had a smile, a joke and an open heart for anyone who graced his doors. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
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Shawn Donalis posted a condolence
sorry to hear of the loss of frankie,growing up next door at my great grandfathers gas station there are many memories always a joke and a 50 cent piece
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Bob Miller posted a condolence
Condolences from your old breadman and family including "the Boy ". Winthrop just won't be the same. Peg, Bob & Ray Miller
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BONNIE posted a condolence
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
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Linda Burkett Neves posted a condolence
What wonderful childhood memories of Frankie Rufa we(the Mike Burkett Family) all hold in our hearts! He had such a kind heart and the most wonderful sense of humor! He was truly a legend! To all his family and friends---Sorry for your loss.
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Carol and Jarred Donalis posted a condolence
So sorry to hear of your loss, he will be a great loss to the community.
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Kathy and Doug Bernard posted a condolence
To the Rufa family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. When Frankie delivered our mail, he was always so pleasant and friendly. We enjoyed any of our trips to the store also. Even though we rarely went to mass on Saturday evenings, when we did we enjoyed the banter between Frankie and Mr. Demers. He surely enjoyed life! Remembering the good times will help at this time.
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Glenda & Frank Youmell posted a condolence
Always loved visiting with Frank in the store. He always had a joke or something to laugh about. A great man.
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Dee (Donalda Bryant) Osier posted a condolence
The community has suffered a great loss with the death of Frankie. In time your wonderful memories of him will help your healing. My Dad thought so much of Frankie, and thus I grew up admiring him as well. He was a pillar of Winthrop and I have to wonder if he had grown his well deserved wings. Our loss is Heaven's gain. With sincere condolences my thoughts are with you.
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Thayer Family posted a condolence
We send our thoughts and prayers to the Rufa family. Frank was a true friend, one of the most caring and honest people around. We have some great memories at the store, he and Peggy there every day of the year. Our trips to see the Yankees will never be forgotten. The old saying "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" did not apply to Frank, he couldn't wait to get back and tell stories (slightly embellished) about the trip. Its people like Frank and Peggy that led us to raise our family in Winthrop. A true friend that we already miss. I know he has a place in heaven and will be there every day making sure everyone has a soda or a snack whether they want it or not.
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Rev. Stephen H. Gratto posted a condolence
Dear family,
Ithink of Frank's spirit and his support - I appreciated that. He provided great meats for the priests get togethers. I enjoyed conversations and getting his opinions. May he rest in peace. I pray for him and you, I extend my sympathy and my wish for peace of mind and heart.
Father Stephem Gratto
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Debbie Guimond posted a condolence
Jerry and Mary,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your father. May you be consoled in the knowledge that he is now in a better place in the arms of the Lord.
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Diane Bryant Selleck posted a condolence
This is such sad news to hear. As a little girl going with my dad to "Rufa's" was always a treat.Frankie would always great us with his warm smile, and to listen to them both. When I wasnt in school, I always knew when my favorite mail man was coming and never was he late. He always left me candy. Years later when I moved my family to my parents property, he always left my kids,and our dog a treat. What a really great man,so caring and a good friend to all, he will be sadly missed, but not forgotten. To all of Frankie's Family your in our thoughts and prayers!
Diane (Bryant) Jon, Amanda, Devin and Chyioko Bryant
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Marcy McLaughlin posted a condolence
Like so many others, I have wonderful childhood memories of Frankie Rufa. He was a wonderful man. He was truly an asset to the community. To all his family please take comfort in the joy that he brought to so many people. Marcy McLaughlin in Tucson, Arizona
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Joel Murphy posted a condolence
Who in Brasher-Winthrop doesn't remember going into Rufa's General Store as a kid? I remember Frankie would flirt w/ my grandmother and always tease me that he was going to give her a kiss.
I also remember Frankie as our postman for many years. One day, when I was about 8, I tried to pay postage for something I wanted to mail... in pennies! Frankie was patient but told me I'd have to go to the actual post office to take care of it.
Last time I saw Frankie, it was right before Christmas '09. I stopped in to get a paper. We had a nice chat and it was good to see him.
My condolences to the family. He was a good man and such a part of the community. God bless him.
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Diane Guyette Neuroth posted a condolence
Fond memories of Frank, when I was a little girl he always gave me candy when I went into his store. R.I.P. Mr. Rufa
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donna peets posted a condolence
frankie will be deeply missed .He was a sweetheart of a person ,who help you in any way he could .I will miss his smile and his friendship .My heart goes out to his family.
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NEIL KARLBERG posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Frank was a good old boy! He was always there for other people and the community when there was a need.The world will be a little less bright without him. Our thoughts are with the family.
Monday
24
October
Interment at: St. Patrick Cemetery
Monday, October 24, 2011
St. Patrick Cemetery
130 County Route 50
Brasher, New York, United States
Need Directions?
Monday
31
October
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, October 31, 2011
St. Patrick Church
836 State Highway 11C
Brasher
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Additional Obit Info
Winthrop- Frank Rufa, 88, passed away Friday, October 28, 2011 at his home under the care of his loving family and Hospice. Arrangements are entrusted with the Hammill Funeral Home, Winthrop.
Frank was born May 14, 1923 in Madrid, NY; son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Thomas and Candida (Cerro) Rufa. On March 2, 1946, he married Edna May Larrow, daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Harold and Dora May (Sharlow) Larrow of Massena, at St. Patrick's Church in Brasher Falls. Frank was drafted into the United States Army Air Corp. during his second year of high school. From 1943-1946, he served as a Sergeant and spent 30 months in Burma, China, and India during World War II. Following Frank's honorable discharge he was employed for 15 years, 1946-1961, at the Racquette River Paper Co, Sissonville, NY. In 1961 he joined his wife in the operation of Rufa's Grocery Store building in Winthrop. Frank, along with his daughter Peggy Cook, continued to manage the store up until his death. In July 1966, in addition to operating the store, he worked as a temporary mail carrier for the U.S Postal Service out of the Winthrop office. He later became a full-time mail carrier and retired after 25 years of postal service on December 31, 1991.
He was a member of the Winthrop American Legion Post No. 514 and a communicant of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Brasher Falls. He loved watching Yankee baseball, fishing, playing cards with family and friends, and visiting with members of the tri-town community at his store whenever he had the opportunity.
He is survived by his wife Edna May (Larrow) Rufa; three children and their spouses: Gerald and Mary (Phillips) Rufa of Fort Covington, Gene and Kathleen ( Kennedy) Rufa of Helena, and Peggy and Richard Cook of Winthrop; two sisters; Mrs. Grace and Lloyd Best of Winthrop and Mrs. Anna and Leland Thompson of Winthrop; seven grandchildren and one spouse: Erik Rufa MD of Newton Highland, MA, Adam Rufa DPT and Jennifer (Rauch) Rufa MD of Camillus, Jason Rufa of Winthrop, Nichole Cook of Galway, NY, Richard Cook of Norwich, NY, Raymond Cook of Liverpool, NY, and Noelle Rufa of Helena; three great-grandchildren; Amelia, Oliver, and Will Rufa of Camillus and several nieces and nephews. His brother, Paul Rufa, predeceased him in 1957.
Friends and family may call at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, Sunday (October 30, 2011) from 2-4 and 6-8. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 am, St. Patrick's Church, Brasher Falls, with Rev. Garry B. Giroux presiding. Interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery.
In lieu of floral offerings, the family of Frank Rufa request that you consider donations in his memory to: St. Patrick's Church, Brasher Falls, Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Inc, or the Brasher-Winthrop Volunteer Fire Dept.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the Rufa family at www.hammillfh.com
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In Loving Memory
Frank Rufa
1923 - 2011
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