Gene S. Rulli, of Lewiston, NY formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away in Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY on Thursday December 3, 2015 at the age of 77 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Greensburg, PA he was the son of the late Philip and Guida (DelBrocco) Rulli.

Gene came to Niagara Falls as a child with his family and attended local schools. He graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Biggs Air Force Base in Texas from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1959. On August 3, 1957 he married Grace (Cipolla) Rulli at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Niagara Falls, NY.

Gene retired from Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center as the Director of Plant Operations. Following his retirement he continued working as a Maintenance Supervisor at Riverwood Healthcare and Trinity United Methodist Church both on Grand Island. Prior to that he was self employed in the air conditioning and refrigeration business for many years and was a co-owner of the original Tree House Lounge and he owned the It'll Do Saloon with his son David. Gene was a member of the Stadium Grill Sportsman's Club and the John Duke Center where he enjoyed woodworking and socializing. Gene was a jack of all trades and always there to help his family and friends. His family wishes to thank Dr. Mohamed Ahmed and his staff, the second floor staff and many special friends at Schoelkopf Health Center and Niagara Hospice House for all their dignified care, compassion and support shown to Gene and his family during his illness.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, Gene is survived by his children David (Christine) Rulli of Niagara Falls, NY, Lisa (Kevin) Kohnke of Wheatfield, NY and Janine (Clark) Patrick of Las Vegas and was predeceased by one son Vincent L. Rulli in 2006. He is also survived by ten grandchildren Michelle (Alex) Goggin, Phillip (Cierra Edwards) Rulli, Jeffrey, Joel and Paige Kohnke, Steven and Nicole Rulli, Samuel and Joshua Kephart, Tony (Teresa) Yurkonis and several great grandchildren and also leaves behind a brother Joseph (Janet) Rulli of Lewiston, NY; his sisters Rose (John) Attanasio and Carol (Phil) Laurenzi both of Lewiston, NY; his brother-in-law Michael (Barbara) Cipolla of Ocala, FL as well as many relatives in Pennsylvania, nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Friends and family may visit from 1-3 & 5-7 on Sunday at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday December 7th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY with Msgr. David LiPuma officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE IN CHURCH. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Gene's name to Niagara Hospice, Inc., 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 or to Schoellkopf Health Care Facility, 620 Tenth Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14302. Entombment with Military Honors will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.