Paul D. Reffi

Brattleboro - Paul David Reffi, 83 of Putney Road, died peacefully Saturday afternoon, January 7, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Mr. Reffi was born in Barre, Vermont on June 17, 1928, the son of Marino and Lillian (Gregoire) Reffi. With his family he lived in Winterport Maine and Peekskill NY before moving to Brattleboro in 1940. Paul attended St Michaels' Parochial School and graduated from St Michaels High School in 1948. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged from active service. Mr. Reffi returned to Brattleboro where he was on the police force and later employed by New England Power Company working at the Vernon Dam location, retiring in 1990. He was the first diver who volunteered to clear the river racks of the jams on the Connecticut River. Later he was taught to hard hat dive and loved being in the water until he retired. Paul was also known for his Radio and TV Repair business that he operated for more than 30 years donating several televisions to those in need. A devout Catholic, he was a communicant and usher of St Michaels Roman Catholic Church and a longtime member and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Leo Council #917. He also held membership in the American Legion Post #5, where he served on many committees and was head potato peeler for many years. Paul was known in his early years for the work he did with the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed teaching young boys all the activities to become Eagle Scouts of which he had many in his troop #433, his sons among them. He always looked forward to his many summer and winter camping trips with the troop on the Long trail. Paul was awarded the Silver Beaver in 1961 and Windham County Citizen of the Year in 1992. Paul was the first recipient of the Brattleboro Unsung Hero Award. Paul was active in the Little League program traveling to Williamsport, PA for official umpire training, was head umpire for many years and served as President. In 1996 Paul was proud to carry the Olympic Torch for the Summer Olympics thru downtown Brattleboro. He was an original starting member of the Bush Pool League in 1982 and then later taught pool to seniors at the senior center. Paul was a Notre Dame fanatic and enjoyed many rivals with his legion friends. He was very athletic in his younger years to include playing on the K of C Basketball League in the 1950's and 1960's and later playing on the Brattleboro Men's Senior Softball League. He enjoyed watching his children and grand children during their sports careers. His children and grandchildren were very important to him and he spent quality time with each of them. He was one of the founders of Rescue, Inc and participated in many water rescues using his diving skills. Paul also served on the local ski patrol. He devoted many volunteer hours to Bridget's Kitchen, The Drop In Center, Meals on Wheels and anyone else who needed help because he could never say No. He was responsible for organizing the C&S employee donation of holiday turkeys to the Drop In Center. On June 13, 1959 he was married to Regina N Klepadlo in St Stanislaus Church, South Deerfield MA. Besides his faithful and loving wife of 52 years he leaves, his children, Michael Reffi of Brattleboro and companion Mary Draper, Cynthia Balduf of Hinsdale and husband David, Deborah Lemnah of West Chesterfield and husband Bruce, Mark Reffi of East Dummerston and wife Jennifer, grand children Rex Sheldon IV, David Reffi, Michelle Reffi and Step-son Andrew Lemnah, two step great-granddaughters Alyson and Kaitlyn Lemnah. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, David Reffi. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Saint Michael's Church with the Very Rev. Richard O'Donnell, V.F. pastor, celebrant. Burial with full military honors will follow in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6 to 8 P.M. Memorial contributions in Mr. Reffi's name may be made to: Brattleboro Fire Dept, c/o Brattleboro Fire Dept Dive Team, 103 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301 or Green Mountain Camp for Girls, PO Box 326, Putney, VT 05346 or Little League, c/o David Cyr, Upper Dummerston Rd, Brattleboro, VT 05301.