Mr. Gerald M. (Junior) Rusho, age 83, died Thursday, January 1, 2015, at Ellis Hospital. The Memorial Service will be at 3pm, Saturday, January 10, at the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton with Donna Fitchette officiating. Calling hours will be from 1pm until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Junior was born December 31st, 1931, in Watertown, the son of Gerald and Genievie Eager Rusho Sr. He attended LaFargeville High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950, being honorably discharged in 1954.
On June 30, 1956, he married the former Betty Kelsey at the Clayton Methodist Church.
Junior worked for a time at the T.I. Park Corporation and for a time with Tommy Mitchell on Wellesley Island. Then he worked for a number of years at the Grand Union in Clayton as well as the Clayton Big M. He worked for a time in Florida before he retired.
Living at Fineview on Wellesley Island until 1981, he and his wife then moved to Florida, returning to Clayton in 2010.
Junior enjoyed flying his radio controlled airplanes and helicopters, loved watching ultimate fighting on tv, loved watching football including the 1000 Islands Vikings and Dallas Cowboys, and loved boating out on the river.
He was a 60 year member of the Colon Couch Post 821 American Legion in Clayton, and he was a past member of the Wellesley Island Fire Department where he was a past Chief.
Surviving besides his wife Betty, is one son, Jeffrey of Washington; three daughters, Cheryl (Tim) Pacific of Clayton, Ellen Gray and her companion Wayne Siegrist of Arkansas, and Tammy (Joseph) McDonnell of Florida; 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 2 Brother in Laws, Thomas (Louise Cantwell) Kelsey, and Ronald Kelsey; nieces and nephews.
A sister in law, Linda, died before him.
Donations can be made in his name to either the Wellesley Island Volunteer Fire Department or the American Stroke Association.
Rich and Georgeen Clarke
We both send our sincere condolences to you, your family and all those you are grieving today Cheryl. Such a good man – may he rest in peace with those that are welcoming him to his new home XXOO
Jim and Chris Oot
Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. May Junior Rest in Peace and continue to watch over and protect your family in the days ahead. He will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Louise Kelsey
Thank you Chris and Jim, so glad I was with you when I got the news.
Cindy Stanton
So Sorry to hear of the loss of your father Cheryl, may you find peace in the time you were given with him and make sure to remember all the good times you shared.
Dalys Wells Montanye
Betty and family,
We are very sorry for your families loss of your husband,father,grandfather.
Please stay strong for each other.
God Bless
Dalys and family.
Michael Folsom
On behalf of the Antique Boat Museum, we send thoughts and prayers to the Rusho family.
Louie and Rose Montante
Our heartfelt sympathy to Betty and family. Enjoyed our model airplane and helicopter times.
He will be missed.
Louise Kelsey
Thanks Louie, I was wondering if you heard, where are you and Rose now?
sheri scales-soluri
My sympathy to the family. Jerry was a friend of my fathers, Gerry Scales. The family is in my prayers and hugs to Cheryl and Timmy.
Shayne Scales Bachmann
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Gerry was a good man and will surely be missed. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Cheryl, Timmy, Betty and the whole family. RIP Gerry.
Renee Reff Miranda
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I loved working with him. He definitely will be missed. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda [Joles] McBride
I am so sorry for your loss. Junior is in Gods care now. He leaves grieving family, but be reassured that the Lord is also with them and will see them through.
Carol Lawrence & Bill Foos
Betty,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We know Jr. will be sadly missed by all.
Louise Kelsey
Thank you for all your kind words Carol and Bill.
Ted Evans aka Fred Clow
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad was a very kind man. He was always good to me . I will add him and the entire Rusho family to my daily prayers.