SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Cyril William Rafuse, 86, of South New Berlin, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, Aug. 26, 2006 at the New York State Veterans’ Home of Oxford.
The first of the five children of Clarence and Ella (Ettlia) Rafuse, Cyril was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Oct. 19, 1919. On March 8, 1943, in Queens Village, he married Felicia “Lee” Schirmer. Cyril served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, seeing action in the Pacific Theater, and receiving his honorable discharge in 1945. Making his home on Long Island, Cyril worked as a carpenter for a number of employers, and was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America. He served as a Scoutmaster and Assistant Commissioner, both in Long Island and later in Chenango County, following his move to this area in 1977. For all his years of volunteer service, Cyril received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America. At one time, Cyril had attended the Christian Science Church of Oneonta.
Cyril was a devoted husband to his late wife Lee, who predeceased him on July 2, 1982; and a loving father to his four children who survive: William Rafuse, Edward Rafuse and wife Lavonne, Bruce Rafuse and wife Gail, and Joan Campbell and husband Artie. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Eric Rafuse, Tara Mary Bulin (husband Don), Nick Campbell, Christyann Rafuse, Felicia Campbell, Steven Rafuse, Alicia Rafuse, and Melissa Campbell. In addition to his wife Lee, Cyril was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Ruth, Claire, and Joyce; and his brother Elwin.
Funeral services for Cyril will be held on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. Friends are invited to call at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. Committal in Mt. Hope Cemetery will be on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Cyril’s family has asked that memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society, 31 Adams Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760.