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PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. - Gabriel H. Rufino, a retired teacher, former firefighter and Pleasantville veteran, died on Oct. 7 surrounded by his family. He was 86.
A World War II veteran whose career led him to become an aircraft engine tester for Pratt and Whitney Company and then a Mount Vernon firefighter to fund his college education, Rufino was born on Oct. 29, 1924 to Antonio and Guiditta Rufino in Manhattan.
He eventually received a master's degree in education from Adelphi University and taught science classes at the Mount Pleasant Cottage School. Rufino retired from teaching 31 years ago and spent the following years as an avid hobbyist, gardener and golfer.
Rufino is survived by his wife Carol, his son Anthony with wife Elise, his sister Lucy Carbone and two granddaughters. He was predeceased by his son Randall.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Beecher Funeral Home in Pleasantville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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