Rufus Monroe Oten

1953 - 2023

Rufus Monroe Oten, 70, of Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford on August 14, 1953, son of the late Monroe and Barbara (Morse) Oten, he was raised in Hartford and was a graduate of Weaver High School, Class of 1972. Two years after graduation, Rufus enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam Era until his discharge as a Lance Corporal in 1976. After his honorable discharge, Rufus returned to Hartford and took a position with the United States Postal Service in the maintenance department where he worked for 15 years. Rufus also served as a Special Deputy Sheriff for the State of Connecticut in the City of Hartford for six years and worked part-time as a member of the recreation staff for the City of Hartford, Parks and Recreation Department. His love of people and work with children led him to take a full-time position with the Parks and Recreation Department and he retired in 2005 after almost 30 years of service to the City. He leaves to mourn his passing, his life partner, Teresa Gordon of Hartford; three children, Tyshawn Terry of Windsor, Lamar A. Oten of Boston, MA, and Keisha Ashley Oten of Hartford; two grandchildren, Za'yha Terry and A'mir Oten; three brothers, Albert Oten and his wife Tara of Marietta, GA, Robert Oten and his wife Michelle of The Villages, FL, and Brian Oten of Hartford; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Terrell A. Oten; a sister, Florence Oten; and a nephew, Branen Terry. His family will receive friends on Friday, September 22, 10-11 a.m., followed by a Homegoing Service at 11 a.m., at The Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Rd., Windsor. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family would like to extend a special thanks to doctors, nurses, and staff at the West Haven VA Hospital, the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Hartford Hospital, and to the staff at Masonicare Home Health & Hospice for their expert care and concern for the family during this difficult time. Carmon Windsor Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences please visit, www.carmonfuneralhome.com.