|
Rufino "Rufi" Menendez
Rufino F. Menendez, 73, passed away at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway, NJ, June 26, 2020 after complications from a fall.
He entered this world in 1946, a 10 lb., 8 oz., bundle of strength and determination. He was drawn to sports at an early age, excelling in basketball and baseball. While at Miami Dade Junior College he led the nation in doubles. His baseball skills drew numerous scouts to evaluate him, which resulted in scholarships to ivy league schools. However, a career-ending knee injury re-channeled his sports career. He trained in Shukokai Karate first under Arthur Sabatino and then under Shukokai world master, Sensei Shigeru Kimura, attaining the rank of 4th dan. He participated in numerous AAU competitions, becoming the AAU All-Around Blackbelt Champion in 1982. He completed the New York City Marathon in 1985 and in 1988 opened his own dojo, The Rahway Karate Center, which spawned several outstanding individuals and champions over the next 15 years.
Rufino received a B.A. in Psychology and Political Science from Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL, and an M.A. in Educational Psychology as well as a Professional Diploma in School Psychology from Kean University, Union, NJ. It was at Kean where he honed his passion for enhancing growth and change within individuals. He devoted his life to one of service, working for the Linden Board of Education, Orange Board of Education, Newark Board of Education, and afterward spent the next 38 years as a bilingual School Psychologist on the Child Study Team for the Elizabeth Board of Education, Elizabeth, NJ. He rooted for the underdog and would do everything within his power to help anyone who needed assistance.
Previously, he was the Playground Director for the Linden Board of Recreation Commission; the Hispanic Representative of the Educational Opportunity Fund Community Advisory Board, Farleigh Dickinson University; a member of The New Jersey School Psychologists Association; a member of the Central Jersey Road Runner’s Club; an AAU National Karate Committee Official;a rated Referee for the USA National Karate Federation, NJ; and the Chief Instructor of the Rahway Karate Center, Rahway, NJ. He was scheduled to be inducted into the USA Karate Hall of Fame in 2021.
He enjoyed U.S. and world travel, boating, fishing (even though his wife always caught more fish), and was an avid proponent of continued self-growth, becoming certified in Hypnotherapy and the Silva Mind Technique. His heart was centered in the precepts of Buddhism and his soul was deep and kind. His sense of humor lightened everyone’s load. All lives that intersected with his—no matter how brief—were touched by his generosity and infectious smile. His was truly a life well lived.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife, Dawn Menendez, his sister and brother-in-law Diana and Raymond Turnier, his aunt Kathleen Gispert, his dear cousin Pat (Peggy) Gispert, his father-in-law Eugene Daidone, his brother- and sister-in-laws Lewis and Kathleen Daidone, his nephews Gene and Lewie Daidone, niece Brittany (Sean) Riley, daughter Holli (LaRocca) and Tommy Williams, grandson Maverick Williams, and a multitude of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Due to Covid-19, a viewing is not possible. His wish to be cremated will take place with intimate family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Rufino’s name to “Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey.”
Obituary written by his wife and sister.
Information provided to us by his cousin, Pat Gispert
|
Bonnie Hall
Pat, that was a wonderful tribute to Rufie. What a great life he seems to have had. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I hope his wife knows how well loved he was. It's very sad to read about our deceased classmates. It sounds like he was a wonderful teacher and friend. Thanks again Pat and I hope you and your family are doing well .
Bonnie Hall
Ray Valdez
Pat ; Thank you for the tribute it said a lot about Rufi the man ........ RIP......
Linda Tuttle (Lantz)
I, too, didn't know Rufi at HHS personally. What I remember is a special young man who was tall, most often smiling and who stood out in the crowd. When I read his biography, I wasn't surprised. That special young man was destined to be a great adult who led a most impressive life. He must have impacted so many lives in such a positive way. Rest in peace, Rufino.
Nancy Lundblom (Blizzard)
Pat, I am so sorry to hear of Rufi's passing. It sounds like he had a great life and accomplished much. I remember him well, and although I didn't know him personally, we had many common friends. I remember him most as a great basketball player and athlete, and as a popular guy who always had a smile on his face. My sincere condolences to you and Rufi's family.
John Rabreau
Met Rufi, in 1952 the 1st Grade. Mae M Walters Elementary. He lived with his family across the street from the play field. That was a long time ago. We were always Friends, he was easy to be friends with. Off to Filer Jr High, where we played basket ball and Baseball together. He was a much better Athlete then I, but was alway encouraging to me. We played little league basball together as well, at Bright Park, The Yankees, fun time for me. By the time we got to Hialeah High, we went are separate ways, He Played sports, I went to work at Stevens Market. We Always remained Friends. One of those guys you don't forget, and had alot of history with. It was So sad when Pat Gispert called me to give me the bad news. I was really Shocked, He always kept himself in top shape. But when the Good Lord Wants you, I guess you must Go. I had Talked to him sometime in 2019, I think we talked for more than a Hour. I told him the next time he was in Atlanta, with Pat we needed to get together. My deepest condolences to his Sister Diane, Pat Gispert and the rest of the family. Rufi will always be remembered by me. Your Friend John Rabreau.
Bruce Nierenberg
I just finshed reading the memorial written about Rufi Menendez. What a great tribute. I have not been in touch with Rufi since high school. Used to play agianst him in littel league baseball from time to time. If we all could accomplish and give back they way Rufi did throughout his life this would be a better world. After reading all about his life I find myself wishing I been able to be a close friend for all these years as I am sure he made all those he touched have a better day. He also had one of the greatest smiles. Its a smile that comes from within.
Bruce Nierenberg
I just watched the memoriam tribute to Rufi and it was a a moving tribute. I kept turning the pages /slides and that incredible smile illuminated every page. He will be missed.
Myra Kratochvil (Cooley)
I also did not know Rufi! I wish that I had! I feel that I missed knowing one of God's beautiful People! Diana, I am so sorry for your loss! You were very blessed to have such a wonderful brother! May God's love and all your beutiful memories give you peace!
Jane Steel (Wilken)
Rufi made my 10th grade geometry class at Hialeah HIgh MUCH more enjoyable! I'm not at all surprised that he had a life so well lived. My condolences to his family -- and thanks for the memories, Rufi
Richard M Hankin
Rest in peace my dear friend and teamate. Richie