Eugene L. Rifenburg

Eugene L. Rifenburg

Munnsville-Eugene L. Rifenburg, 80, passed away peacefully at his home on June 22, 2023. 

He was born in Moravia, the son of the late Lewis G. and Frieda Mae Mason Rifenburg. Gene spent the majority of his life in Pine Woods and attended Morrisville High School. His life was shaped by his step father Leon Nourse.  Leon was instrumental, instilling many of the values Gene held until his passing. In 1960, he joined the U.S. Army where he proudly served as a Military Policeman. In 1960, he married his soulmate, Roxyann Streeter in Morrisville. Together they raised three wonderful children. Gene had a stellar career in law enforcement that spans to a half a century. He served with the New York State Police for 26 years; first as a uniformed State Trooper, and later as an Investigator and Senior Investigator in the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, retiring in 1991.  He then was a consultant to the Department of Justice providing training for the Independent Complaints Directorate in South Africa. In that capacity, he was involved in training officers in the fields of basic investigation, as well as homicide investigations. Gene’s international experience also included working for DynCorp Aerospace Technology, assigned to International Police Task Force in Bosnia Herzegovina. He also held a Private Investigator’s License in the State of Florida. Gene came back out of retirement and in 1998, he joined the Oneida Nation Police Department. In 1999 he was promoted to Senior Investigator of the Nation’s Police Department.  A big part of Gene’s life was spending time with his family, enjoying fishing and hunting.  He also enjoyed any type of auction, always willing to buy, sell, or trade. He had great love of his home keeping it in pristine condition.  He would always be seen out mowing and keeping the grass in “golf course” like condition.  He was a life member of the American Legion Post # 54.  Gene was proud of being an American and all his service in protecting others, but also instilling that same pride in his family and all that he could mentor.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Roxy; his son and daughter-in-law James and Debra Rifenburg of Wampsville; his daughter-in-law Maryann Rifenburg of Munnsville; his beloved and cherished grandchildren: Alissa, Angela, Tyler, Ryan, Renee, and Christopher.  Gene is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

He was  predeceased by his parents, his daughter Kim, his son Michael, his brother Kenneth “Kenny” Rifenburg, and his sister Patricia "Pat" Rifenburg Utter.

There will be callings for Gene on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 3-5 PM, at the Paul Funeral Home, 3592 South Street, Madison. A private interment service will take place with Military and  New York State Police Honors in Village View Cemetery.  Gene and his family are being provided personal and professional care by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison. In honor of Gene, contributions can be made to the Madison County ARC or Wanderer's Rest in Canastota. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please  visit: paulfuneralhome.net

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