Press release:
Batavia Downs officials are proud to announce that Charles R. Ruffino has been named the Italian-American of the Year. Mr. Ruffino will be honored with a special trackside ceremony on Friday, Aug. 31th, between the seventh and eighth harness race of the evening.
Charles Ruffino was born in Batavia and grew up on the Southside in the tight-knit community surrounding St. Anthony's Church. Within this neighborhood is where he developed a strong work ethic and commitment to community service.
Chuck attended St. Anthony's School, graduating from Batavia High School in 1957. He completed his education with a master’s degree from Buffalo State and began work as a teacher for the visually handicapped at the New York State School for the Blind. From teaching, Chuck entered into administration and transferred to the State Education Department as a regional associate and back to the State School as the assistant superintendent.
Along the way Chuck also served on the Batavia School Board of Education, as a councilman-at-large for the City of Batavia, as a legislator for Genesee County, on the Board of Visitors (currently chairman) for the State School for the Blind, as coordinator for US TOO, a cancer-support group and most recently a trustee for Genesee Community College.
It should be noted that next month he will be presented with the Charles Rapp Award as the outstanding college trustee by the New York State Community College Trustee Association in Albany.
On a personal level, Chuck’s family has always come first. He and his wife, Janet, celebrated their 50th anniversary last year. They raised three accomplished children and now enjoy the accomplishments of their four grandchildren.
Friends and family wishing to join Chuck Ruffino are asked to call Mary Bucceri at 343-3750, ext. 468, to make a clubhouse reservation.
Well deserved. Congrats
Well deserved. Congrats Chuck.