Gerald "Jerry" Rufo

Gerald “Jerry” Rufo, 65, of Windham, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Ulcerative Colitis. Born on February 10, 1961, in Newton, Massachusetts, Jerry was the only son of Anna (Mazzola) and Gerado Rufo.

Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. He began his career at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and went on to build a long and dedicated career in facilities and property management. Most recently as a commercial property manager with Colliers International.

Jerry grew up in the Newton village of Nonantum — affectionately known as “The Lake” — a neighborhood celebrated for its tight‑knit Italian community and its unmistakable “Lake language,” a local dialect cherished by generations. Common expressions include mush (guy), divia mush (crazy guy), jival (girl or “chick”), and quister [quest‑ah] (good or awesome). Jerry deeply loved his Italian heritage. One of his greatest joys was carrying on the family tradition of making wine. Each October, Jerry and his friend would travel to Chelsea, Massachusetts, to find the best grapes for their homemade wine. It was a longstanding family tradition filled with fun and laughter — one that he shared wholeheartedly with his daughter and friends.

Jerry and Jean met in 1990 on her 26th birthday and have been inseparable ever since. They married in November 1995 and later moved from Natick, Massachusetts, to Windham, New Hampshire, in June of 2002. In July of 2008, they welcomed their daughter, Gianna. Jerry was the best dad and cherished every moment he spent with his daughter. He was supportive, fun‑loving, and, above all, deeply caring. He wanted nothing more than for her to grow into the best version of herself. That is a legacy he was proud to leave behind.

Jerry loved being involved in Windham’s town activities. He was a volunteer on the Town of Windam Facility Committee. There he developed incredible friendships with truly wonderful people.

Jerry will be remembered for his kindness, his larger‑than‑life personality, and his unwavering devotion to his family. And let’s be honest — part of his legend was how deaf he was, a trait he embraced with humor that made everyone around him laugh.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jean (Rollins), and his daughter, Gianna Rufo.

The family wishes to thank Parkland Hospital, Boston Medical Center and Portsmouth Regional Hospital for their support and care.

Friends and family are invited to Calling Hours on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 4-7 PM, at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11 AM, at Saint Matthew Church, 2 Searles Road, Windham, NH 03087. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Waltham, MA. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.carrierfuneralhome.com.