Donald B. Riffelmacher

In Loving Memory of Donald Bruce Riffelmacher

Donald Bruce “Don” Riffelmacher, 68, of Rutland, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on May 20, 2024, surrounded by his family, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and, later, cancer.

Born on October 23, 1955, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Don was the son of the late Richard D. Riffelmacher and Mary M. (Frazier) Riffelmacher. He was the youngest of three sons. His brother Richard E. Riffelmacher, formerly of Colorado, predeceased him. His brother, David Riffelmacher, resides in Prague, Czech Republic.

Don attended the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he served as captain of the golf team, and later attended Western New England University.

For 25 years, Don worked for Amtrak, serving as a lead service attendant and crew base manager. His career reflected one of his great lifelong pleasures: traveling by train. Don was reliable as “railroad time”—steady, punctual, true to his word, and always someone others could depend upon.

Don taught himself to play golf at the age of 12, beginning a lifelong love of the game. For many years, few things made him happier than spending a warm, sunny day on the golf course. After decades devoted to the game, however, Don decided that he was ready to give that same time, love, and dedication to building a life with his family. He became a deeply devoted husband and father whose greatest happiness was found in the home and family they created together.

Don leaves his beloved wife, Felicia, with whom he shared 30 years of marriage, and his son, Austin Riffelmacher, to whom he was a loving, attentive, and steadfast father. He is also survived by a large and loving extended family of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other relatives whose presence enriched his life.

Don took enormous pride in Austin and supported his dreams at every step. Although theater was not Don’s own passion, he accompanied Austin to countless performances, both close to home and across the country, because he understood how much theater meant to his son.

Don was deeply proud when Austin was admitted to Yale to continue his theater education. Although he did not live to see Austin graduate and begin his professional career in theater, Don’s love, encouragement, and quiet presence remained an important part of Austin’s journey and continue to be felt deeply.

Family life was at the center of Don’s world. His love language was steadfast devotion—the quiet, daily commitment of making sure his family felt protected, remembered, and deeply cared

for. Even as his health declined, Don remained intent on expressing his love and appreciation through acts of care and daily rituals that made family life feel safe, steady, and happy.

Don treasured traditional holidays, birthdays, vacations, cruises, train trips, long car rides, and the simple pleasure of the three of them being together. For Don, love was expressed through constancy: remembering what mattered, honoring family traditions, and being fully present for

the people he cherished. Thoughtful and gentle, he saw devotion to his family as the truest expression of love.

Don also dearly loved spending time with his best buddies, Sam and Eli, whose beagle antics brought him great companionship and joy.

In a final journey reflecting his love of travel and the ocean, Don was laid to rest at sea, his ashes scattered from aboard his favorite cruise ship, Explorer of the Seas.

In keeping with Don’s private nature, his family honored and mourned him quietly following his passing. They share this remembrance now so that the life of this thoughtful, gentle, and deeply devoted man may be remembered and celebrated.

Don will be remembered for his kindness, his quiet devotion, and the constancy of his love. His memory will be forever cherished by Felicia and Austin and by all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

To leave a condolence or share a memory please visit www.kellycremation.com