Sandra Joan Garufy Obituary – Press & Sun-Bulletin

Sandra Joan Garufy passed away at her home on June 8, 2023, due to complications from a 2020 ovarian cancer diagnosis. She was supported throughout by her family and friends as well the aides who cared for her daily. We are particularly grateful to Juanita, Tisha and Lashonda.

Sandy is survived by her beloved children: son Carman (Betsy) Garufi and grandchildren Giovanni, Angelo and Francesca; son Auguste Garufi (Hikari Baba) and grandchild Amedeo Garufi and great grandchild Leon Garufi; daughter, Lisa (Jeffrey) Bideaux and grandchildren Abigail (fiancé Troy Robinson), Hannah (Chris DiPietro) and Jordan Bideaux; and son Richard (Vickie) Garufy; and Sandy’s former spouse August C. Garufy. She is also survived by her brother, Richard (Joan) Boyce and many nieces and nephews, including Wayne (Jennifer) Carrara, and Kathy (Mike) McGuriman.

She is also survived by many friends but especially the Hon. Rita Connerton, Janey Sbarra and Mary Bente; all of whom were an integral part of Sandy’s everyday life.

Sandy was born in 1937 in Schenectady, New York to Richard Boyce and Nancy Santore Boyce, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her brother Vincent Carrara and sister-in-law Anne Carrara.

Sandy was married after graduating from high school and began college part-time in 1975. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Masters in Education from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. Sandy taught for several years and then attended Syracuse University Law School, graduating in 1988. Sandra began her law career as an associate with the Binghamton firm of Twining, Nemia, Hill & Steflick. After several years there, she opened her own practice with son Carman in 1991 – Garufi & Garufy – on Chenango Street, where they practiced together until late 1998 when she became principal law clerk to the Hon. Patrick H. Matthews, Broome County Court Judge and later his successor, the Hon. Joseph F. Cawley, Jr. In 2011 she retired from New York State and became of counsel with Garufi Law P.C., where she practiced until the Covid-19 shutdown in March 2020.

Sandy was a fiercely independent, strong willed, determined woman who was intelligent, curious and equally caring, giving and kind to all those she met. The quiet strength and resolve she exhibited in her life and particularly throughout her illness was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Sandy held loving, special and unique relationships with all her family and friends.

For Sandy, family was most important – especially her grandchildren. She never missed one of her grandchildren’s activities and supported them in all their endeavors. Sandy loved the outdoors; she was a runner for years and walked daily, and hiked all of the Adirondacks Peaks. She especially loved Lake Placid, and on her 80th birthday she again hiked one of the high peaks. She golfed until 2022, enjoying several leagues with her friends.

Sandy was very active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Accord, the SOS Shelter (now Rise), and the League of Women Voters. She taught in the “Learn to Skate” program for the Binghamton Figure Skating Club. She was a member of the Broome County Bar, New York State Bar, and American Bar Associations.

For five years she served as an elected member of the Binghamton City School District Board and her leadership was critical at a difficult time involving a change in Superintendents and the flooding of MacArthur elementary school.

At Sandy’s request, there will be no services. To remember Sandy, share an act of kindness or volunteer for a group or organization that could use your help. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, a gift can be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ‘in memory of Sandra J. Garufy’ to support Ovarian Cancer Research at:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

P.O. Box 849168

Boston, MA 02284

or via dana-farber.org/gift.