Victor John Rufa, 79, Massena

MASSENA -- Victor John Rufa, age 79, of Massena, NY, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at his home under the care of St. Lawrence Valley Hospice.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Massena.

Victor is survived by his wife, Constance Ann Rufa of Massena, NY; his children, Joseph Michael Rufa of Brooklyn, NY, and Bettina Marie Kennedy and her husband Philip of Massena, NY; and two grandchildren, Cooper S. and Lydia H. Kennedy, both of Massena, NY.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Mary Rufa, Anthony Rufa, and Eleanor Dempsey.

Victor was born on July 12, 1944, in Jamaica, Queens, NY, the son of the late Carmine and Helen (Lombardi) Rufa.

He attended schools in Queens until he enlisted in the United States Army on August 12, 1965. Victor served in Vietnam as a Private First Class in the 410th Transport Company. He was honorably discharged on July 31, 1967, in Oakland, California.

Victor married Constance Ann Dow on June 28, 1980, at Sacred Heart Church in Massena, NY, where they raised two children. Victor was later employed by CSX in Massena as a brakeman conductor until his retirement in 2002.

Victor enjoyed photography, and woodworking while making birdhouses for his friends and family.

He also enjoyed reading and spending time at the ocean as a young child.

Donations may be made in Victor’s memory to Potsdam Humane Society, 17 Madrid Ave, Potsdam, NY 13676; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.