TRIBUTES have flowed for former City of Newcastle deputy mayor and Ward 3 councillor Andrea Rufo OAM who has been remembered as a committed family man, a leader and gentleman in the "true sense of the word".
News of Mr Rufo's passing this week has seen an outpouring of support from former friends, colleagues and politicians for his wife Sandie and his four daughters Jessica, Giordana, Candace and Kaitlin.
Former Newcastle Independent Cr John Church knew Mr Rufo when he worked at the Greater Building Society and served alongside him on council from 2017 to 2021.
Mr Church said while politics in local government can be divisive, Mr Rufo's first instinct was always to find a collaborative outcome.
"He would bring divergent parts of the community together for a common cause, whether through fundraising, community events and his support of local businesses," he said.
"He was a committed family man who loved his daughters and who in recent years had discovered the extra special joy of grandchildren."
Mr Church said he has lost not only a colleague who shared his values, but a friend, and said he always looked forward to pre-council meetings where they would enjoy "superb baked goods" and a laugh.
"His life was one of service and his actions were that of a leader and gentleman in the true sense of the word," he said.
"My deepest sympathies are with Sandie and his close family.
"I join with the wider community in recognising his years of public service and the legacy he leaves behind."
In a public Facebook post in August to mark his 60th birthday, Mr Rufo said he had been through a "very tough year" after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in December 2023 and undergoing months of chemotherapy.
Mr Rufo was first elected to Newcastle council in Ward 3 in 2012 and then re-elected in 2017, serving as deputy lord mayor between 2014 and 2015.
He was a supporter of the Newcastle ANZAC Walk and campaigned successfully for two bronze kangaroos to be placed atop the pillars of the Lambton Memorial Gates, remembering the men of the district who fought in World War I.
In 2018, he campaigned for the excavation of 100-year-old time capsule to officially salute the 30 visionary women who together mourned 27 local men who did not return from war and played a part in dedication a new time capsule to be opened in 2118.
Mr Rufo received an Order of Australia Medal in 2013 for his service to community and breast cancer research.
He was also presented with Order of the Star of Italy (Order of Knighthood) by the president of Italy in 2017 for outstanding contributions to the Italian community in Newcastle and the Hunter.
Former Newcastle Independent Cr Kath Elliott said she and Mr Rufo were friends prior to sitting in the chamber together.
"There are few people like Andrea who truly give so much of themselves for their community, without ego, and without need for public acknowledgement," she said.
"Even though he was an Order of Australia recipient and also honoured by the Italian government for his services to the Italian community in Australia, Andrea did not seek such reward, he demonstrated humility and care for his community."
Ms Elliott said Mr Rufo had a long list of achievements, including upgrades to Lambton Library and with a small band of his friends raised significant funds for breast cancer through the Pink Frangipani Ball in honour of his first late wife, Sandra.
"Andrea was faced with adversity at times through his life, but never complained," Ms Elliott said.
"Rather, he focused on giving to others.
"He will be sorely missed by so many."
State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said in an online statement that he was fortunate to work alongside Mr Rufo on council for four years.
"Andrea was always a passionate, decent and hardworking person, raising an enormous amount of money for breast cancer, Andrea received an OAM for his contribution to our community," he said.
"I will always have fond memories of Andrea's passion warmness and integrity. I wish his family well.
"May he rest in peace."
Mr Rufo was a passionate and dedicated community member who was involved in a number of organisations.
He joined the committee of the Italian Welfare Organisation, which ran programs to support members of the Italian community, particularly the elderly or those facing language barriers.
Mr Rufo served two separate terms as president of the Newcastle and Hunter Ethnic Communities Council and previously headed the local Lazio Association.
With his daughters Giordana and Jessica, Mr Rufo founded the Pink Frangipani Ball in memory of his late wife Sandra, who died after a long battle with breast cancer in 2005.
The ball has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help breast cancer patients.
Mr Rufo was also involved in the Ignition Mentoring Program that supports teenagers diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
