Donald Rullo, 88

Donald Rullo, 88, beloved father, husband and friend, died on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by Judith (Boettcher) Rullo, his wife of 61 years. He was the son of the late Samuel and Marjorie (DeMoranville) Rullo. Born July 28, 1937 in Middleboro, Massachusetts, he settled in Columbus, Nebraska in 1976, where he lived until his death.

Don was father to three children, TaMara Rullo of Colorado, Gary Rullo (Donna) of Florida, and Paul Rullo (Tracie) of Columbus, Nebraska, grandpa to Kylee, Zachary, Dayanera, Alyssa (Jeff) and Anthony and great grandpa to Tagan, Skylin and Barryt. He is survived by his younger sister Mary Veiga and preceded in death by his sister Sally Chaves, and brothers, Mike, Vito, Bob, Leon, David, and Sam. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Don was and forever will be, a proud member of the United States Air Force, serving his country for twenty years, including deployment in Vietnam during the height of the conflict. After his “retirement” he owned and operated Rapid Lube and Oil in Columbus, NE and in his third retirement enjoyed delivering for Hy-Vee all around the Columbus area.

Don was a member of the American Legion and served as the Commander of the Hartman Post 84 in Columbus in 1988. He participated in the Color Guard and Forty & Eight, as well as coaching the American Legion baseball team to several winning seasons. He could be seen cooking in the Legion kitchen for Fish Fry nights during Lent and at many other events.

Don also served as a volunteer fire fighter and EMT in Eastham, Massachusetts and was a substitute teacher at Columbus High School.

A graveside service was be held on Monday, July 28th at Crown Hill Cemetery, in Madison, Nebraska, with Rev. Adam Lassen officiating and military honors by the American Legion Hartman Post 84. A celebration of life gathering followed at the American Legion in Columbus (2263 3rd Avenue).