Carl Rulli, 92, of Auburn, died June 20, 2015 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

He leaves his wife of 68 years, Irene (Duclos) Rulli; his daughter, Patricia Wood and her husband “Topper”; sons John and Paul, and Paul’s wife, Lynn. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Shilo Vosburg, Shane Wood, Jesse, Ben, Patrick, Gene, Anna, Carl and Brent Rulli; eleven great grandchildren and a large extended family.

Carl was born in Webster Ma, son of Italian immigrants Jesse and Anna Rulli as the 9th of 10 siblings who have all predeceased him: Annie Esposito; Lucy Sterczala; Angeline Ceppetelli; Juliet Olsta; Margaret Ceppetelli; and Donato, Warren, Luke, and Louis Rulli. He was also close to his sister in law, Lorraine Renaud of Franklin Ma and her family.

After graduating Bartlett High School in 1940 Carl enlisted in the Navy where he served as the tail gunner on a carrier plane rising to the rank of Machinist Mate 2nd Class. Following the war Carl found work as a master machinist, married, and moved to Sturbridge where he raised a family and resided for 40 years.

For 29 years, Carl was employed by Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford Ct, where he developed a reputation for excellence and innovation in the fledgling field of computer controlled machining ending his career as a chief process planner. Even after retirement Carl continued his education and was in demand as a consultant at several large companies.

Carl worked with various youth groups in Sturbridge, particularly those involved in baseball, remaining as a volunteer head umpire long after his own children had matriculated. He also started a Babe Ruth league and was instrumental in Boy Scouts. He also excelled at bowling, softball, baseball, and golf; and enjoyed sailing, camping, gardening and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After retiring, he spent summers on the Cape and winters in Florida. In 1992 Carl moved to Auburn where he continued to hone his musical skills on the keyboard and spend time with his family.

Carl’s family would like to express special thanks to the Central MA Hospice and their many helpful Home Health Care workers for all their compassionate care that was given to Carl.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Carl’s family on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street North, Auburn, his nephew, Reverend Lawrence Esposito will officiate. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Webster. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Central MA Hospice, 191 Pakachoag Street, Auburn, MA 01501.

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