Anthony M. Rufrano

Class of 2012

Anthony M. Rufrano was born on February 3, 1955, in Niagara Falls, Canada, to Anthony and Lani, who also raised his sister, Karen.

He graduated in 1973 from Niagara Falls High School in New York.

Tony has been in the confectionery industry for 29 years. He joined Liggett Group, Inc. in 1978 as a Sales Representative and began selling candy for the company in 1986. In 1993, he joined Ben Myerson Candy Co., where he worked as Director of Marketing until it was sold in 2007. He then joined Leo Arretin, Inc. as Vice-President of Sales and Marketing until 2008. Currently he is the Director of Marketing for Maxim Manufacturing & Marketing.

Tony married Hope in Long Beach, CA, on April 15, 1995, and they have two daughters: Rachel and Veronica.

John Bonnet, who is a great friend, has had the biggest impact on his career, says Tony.

The day he received the phone call, while at a restaurant, from J.P. Myerson offering him a job is one of his most memorable career moments, says Tony, adding he must have been excited because the man next to him paid for his dinner.

He says his greatest day-to-day business challenge is the ever-consolidating business world. He says placing collaboration ahead of individual achievements, building relationships and having a genuine interest in his products and customers have all greatly contributed to his success.

Tony hopes to eventually reconnect with co-workers from years past. He says the industry is enjoyable because the people in it are genuine, and he relished telling his kids, as they were growing up, that he worked in the candy industry.

Past Chairman and President of the National Confectionery Sales Association, Tony served on the board from 1996 through 2007 and continues to volunteer his time to the Association. He is a past member of the National Confectioners Association/National Candy Wholesalers Association Trade Relations Committee, participating from 2008 to 2009. Tony was a two-time President’s Club Winner with Liggett.

Painting, music, travel and golf are some of Tony’s hobbies in his free time.

Tony passed away at the age of 65 on September 17, 2020 following a brief illness.