Paul Bufalo

PAUL JOSEPH BUFALO ROCKFORD - Paul Joseph Bufalo passed away suddenly Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, in Riveria Maya, Mexico while vacationing with his beloved wife. He was born Dec. 26, 1945, in Rockford to George and Lucy Bufalo. He lived his entire life in Rockford and attended West High School. He married Judith Adams on Jan. 25, 1969, in Rockford. Paul was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church and served the church as an usher/greeter. He and Judy helped carry on the St. Joseph Altar tradition at St. Rita's church and school. Paul served in the U.S. Army from 1965 through 1967 and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany in the helicopter division. Out of the Army he worked with Bufalo and Sons Landscaping. He then worked in the vending business until he retired in 2001. Most recently he worked at Rudy's Cigar Lounge where he developed lifelong friendships. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and organized and participated in the Knight's Golf Play Day for many years, raising monies for the organization. Also a member of St. Ambrose Society and long standing participant of Fiesta Italiana. Most importantly he loved spending time with his family, granddaughters and friends. Paul was an avid golfer and played bocce for St. Ambrose and competed at the Fiesta each year. The pork chop tent was his haven during Fiesta. He was passionate about his heritage and a die-hard traditionalist. He taught his wife and girls the true meaning of being "Italian." He had a keen sense of humor, kind demeanor and gentle way about him. He never met a stranger, but rather friends with each encounter. Paul loved deeply, and gave easily. Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; daughters, Paula (John) Berg and Michelle (Bill) Merryman; granddaughters, Gianna, Mia, Mikayla, Brittney and Alyssa; sister, Katherine (Eldon) Appelgren; brothers, Carl (Julie) Bufalo and Louis (Jan) Bufalo; nephews and nieces, Dave (Rene) Appelgren, Dan Appelgren and John (Tracy) Appelgren, Jodi Carey, Sheri (Nick) Sinnaeve, Andy (Susan) Bufalo, Luke (Carrie) Bufalo, Alexa (Mickey) Howell and Blake Bufalo; many grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name. Predeceased by his parents, and brother, Joseph. The family wishes to express a special thank-you to all of their family and friends. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6284 Valley Knoll Drive, with Father Ariel Valencia officiating and Father William R. Wentink concelebrating. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, at St. Rita Catholic Church with a rosary recited at 6:45 p.m., and from 10 a.m. Saturday to time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established by the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.