Anthony J. Rufrano Jr.'s Obituary
Anthony James Rufrano, Jr., of Willington, CT, formerly of Medford, MA, passed away on March 12, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his family. He leaves is wife Caroline (Ljunggren) of 53 years and two children: son Anthony James III and his wife Alison and daughter Deanna and her husband Tom Macaluso. He was the beloved “Papa” to grandchildren Ava Grace Rufrano, Brady Anthony, Savanna and Logan Macaluso. Also, he is survived by his sister Janet and her husband Dana Dahlbeck, Mary Jean Lyons and brother Daniel and wife Ilene Rufrano. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia McVey. As a graduate of Medford High School, Class of 1966, he was a standout athlete in baseball and football. In his graduating year, he was invited to tryout at Fenway Park along with other top high school players. He then went on to play Legion Baseball in Medford where he was once again a standout. In 1967, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps for four years, serving one tour stationed in Chu Lai, Viet Nam in the MAG-12 Marine Aircraft Wing. After his honorable discharge, he joined the U. S. Postal Service as a security officer with the Inspection Service at the Boston facility. Offered a promotion in 1977, he moved his family to Connecticut where he became Security Officer in-charge after a few years. Through these years he was able to devote so much of his time to Willington Little League, Rec Basketball, Stafford Midget Football, and Senior League Baseball, through coaching, refereeing and, umpiring to support his kids and the kids of Willington and Stafford. He also spent many nights playing in the men’s softball league at Olympic field. He was an avid New England sports fan for the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics, but most of all, the Boston Bruins. Once retired, his time was spent at Cedar Knob Country Club golfing where he made many, many friends who refer to him as “Big Boy”. For 40 years, he was one of the original committee of the GWOi golf tournament that started with 4 players and reached more than 100 through the years. The joy in his life has always been his children, supporting them with school and all their sporting events. He traveled everywhere to be with them. When the grandchildren grew, he was there again at recitals, art shows, football games, basketball, baseball and track. His life was filled with so much love that he gave and received from all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willington Fire Department #1, P. O. Box 161, Willington, CT 06279. Calling hours will be held at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. All are invited to Cedar Castle Restaurant at Cedar Knob Golf Course for a Celebration of Life following the services. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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