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Newcastle mourns the passing of former Councillor Andrea Rufo

today4 November 2024

Background

The Rufo family and the City of Newcastle have announced with great sadness the passing of former councillor Andrea Rufo.

Mr. Rufo is survived by his loving wife, Sandie, and their four daughters: Jessica, Giordana, Candace, and Kaitlin. His absence leaves a void in both his family’s life and the wider Newcastle community, where he dedicated nearly a decade to public service.

Serving the city with unwavering commitment, Andrea Rufo was first elected as a Ward 3 Councillor in 2012. His leadership extended as he took on the role of Deputy Lord Mayor in both 2014 and 2015, before his re-election in 2017. Ahead of the 2021 election, he made the heartfelt decision to step back from public life, reflecting on his tenure as an elected representative as one of his greatest honours.

Reflecting on her husband’s legacy, Sandie Rufo said he left behind a profound heritage of love, not only for his family but for the people of Newcastle, a city that held a special place in his heart.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath shared that his last conversation with Andrea on 9 October was marked by Mr. Rufo’s characteristic optimism and indomitable spirit.

Plans for a celebration of Andrea Rufo’s life will be made public by his family in due course.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Dr. Ross Kerridge, expressed the city’s collective sorrow, recognising Mr. Rufo’s years of dedicated service and his remarkable influence on the community.

“It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the passing of former Newcastle City Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor Andrea Rufo,” Dr. Kerridge stated. “Andrea served our community with distinction for nine years, and his commitment to Ward 3 and the entire city of Newcastle was unwavering.”

The Lord Mayor praised Rufo’s enduring positivity and fighting spirit, which shone brightly throughout his years on the council. “His legacy will not only be seen in the city’s growth and development but felt through the many lives he touched with his warmth and dedication,” he added.

On behalf of the city, Dr. Kerridge extended his deepest sympathies to the Rufo family, noting that Andrea’s impact on Newcastle’s civic life would be sorely missed.

 

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Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.

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