Ronald John Rusinko

Ronald J. Rusinko, 83 of Scranton passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Thursday, May 9th. He and his loving wife, Romaine Michaels Rusinko, celebrated their 60th anniversary in August 2023. Born in Scranton he was the son of the late John and Anna Jatkowski Rusinko, a member of St. Ann’s Parish, a graduate of Dunmore HS Class 0f 1959, and a six veteran of the 21st US Army Corps PA Reserves.

Ron, as a young man, was self-taught in all aspects of life, including mechanics. He worked as an auto mechanic in the 1960s at Stauffer Chevrolet and then Barnhart Lincoln Mercury until 1976. He then became a Power Ground Generator Mechanic for the US Department of Defense at Tobyhanna Depot, where he served for 27 years before retiring in 2003.

Ron’s passion for running began in high school. He went on to run in 36 marathons, including New York, Boston and Steamtown several times, and many others. Amazingly, he logged more than 100,000 miles running in his lifetime. He was well known among many Scranton Area runners and helped to expand the sport he loved, by mentoring other younger runners and introducing them to paths and areas near Lake Scranton that were not known by many. Ron was accomplished in ASL sign language, was a member of Rock Steady Boxing Northeast PA, and a member of the Knights of Columbus (K of C) for more than 50 years, quickly achieving 4th Degree and later serving as Grand Knight of Council #280 in Scranton for more than 5 years. He also bowled in the K of C league for many years. Ron was also a lifelong fan of the NY Yankees, SWB Railriders, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He always enjoyed going to Yankee Stadium and PNC Field with family/friends, watching games on TV and attending his two grandson’s baseball and school sporting events.

Above all though, Ron was a hard-working family man and friend who would help anyone in need. He was able to fix just about anything and he passed so much on to his children and grandchildren. His life touched many and his memory will live forever.

In addition to his wife Romaine, Ron leaves behind his son Michael Rusinko and his wife Patty, Scranton; daughters Judith Rusinko Whitfield and her husband Lenston Whitfield III, Poulsbo, WA and Suzanne Risinko McNamara and her husband Kevin, Olyphant; grandsons Kyle and Nick Rosinko, Scranton; sisters Dolores Oliveira, Endicott, NY, Audrey O’Rose, Fayetteville, NC and Barbara Leiss, Spokane, WA; several nieces, nephews and cousins and so many of his friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his sister Mary Ann Maro and brother Paul Rusinko.

Friends may call Monday 4 to 7 PM at the Donahue Funeral Home, 303 S Main Ave., Scranton [scrantonfuneralservices.com (do not place in Times obit)/funeral home website]. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, at 10 AM at St Ann’s Basilica, 1250 St Ann’s St., Scranton. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will follow immediately after the Mass in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow.

The family would like to offer their sincerest thanks to Rock Steady Boxing NEPA and Dr. Ken Sebastianelli and staff for the love and care provide Ron throughout his battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Very special thanks to all the staff of Elan Skilled Nursing & Rehab and Compassionate Care Hospice. The nurses, aids and everyone on 3rd floor have become extended family to Ron and his family and will forever hold a very special place in their hearts and have their most sincere appreciation.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be Rock Steady Boxing, 1 Maxson Drive, Old Forge, PA 18518 or the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org/donate.