Wedo V. Rufo, 79, US Army Veteran

Mr. Rufo was born in Lorain, Ohio on June 7, 1923, and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Lorain High School, Class of 1942A, and was an outstanding athlete, playing baseball, basketball, and track.

He was a veteran of the US Army, 5th Armored Division, and 3rd Army directly under the command of Gen. George Patton. He was a commander of a Sherman tank during WWII. He participated in the battles of Normandy, Ardennes/Alcase, Rhineland, Germany and Holland, earning 5 battle stars.

Mr. Rufo was a member of St. Mary's Church, where for many years he was in charge of the Vegas Nights.

He was retired from Brandt Pools in 1982 but continued on past time basis until 1992. He owned and operated Rufo Monuments for a number of years. He had also been employed at American Shipbuilding, the former Ravenna Casket Company of Lorain and had been the caretaker for Salem Cemetery.

Mr. Rufo was a former member of the J.A.V. and VFW Post 55 of Sheffield. He enjoyed carpentry, crossword puzzles and Cleveland Indians and Browns Sports teams.

He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Johnson, Madalyn McKiel both of Lorain, one grandson, Marc McKiel of Lorain, brother Pete Rufo of Port St. Lucy, FL, sister, Leda Denka of Amherst, OH and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie (nee Gentile) Rufo on May 28, 1999, parents, Louis Mario, and Grace (nee Latanza) Rufo, brothers Arthur, Columbus, Theodore, sisters, Thelma Gannon, Leona Giannini, Ida Meade and Mary Rufo.

Friends may call at the Schwartz Spence Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain on Thursday, July 18, 2002 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2002 at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary Church, 310 E. 8th Street, Lorain with Rev. Daniel O. Divis, Pastor, officiating.

Burial with full military honors provided by V.F.W. Post 451, will be in Calvary Cemetery.