When great men die, we pause. He was-we will.
Milton Jasper Rusho, of Clayton NY, and an original Grindstone Islander, passed away early Friday morning, January 30, 2026. He had just celebrated his 91st birthday.
Milton proudly served his country throughout his life. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, retired as a First-Class Petty Officer from the United States Coast Guard, and continued his service with a distinguished 20-year career as a U.S. Customs Special Agent.
He was the second child of Leon and Marjorie Rusho, of Grindstone Island. Milton was preceded in death by his brother and best friend, Manley Rusho and is survived by his youngest siblings: Robert Rusho, Alice Rusho Peron and Leon “Jr” Rusho.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Polly Garnsey Rusho. Polly and Milton were married on April 3, 1959, until her passing in October 1993.
Following his retirement from federal service, Milton spent his later years doing what he loved most – working the land. He bred Black Angus beef cattle on his farm in Clayton, NY, where he enjoyed the peace of rural life and the company of family and friends.
In February 1999 he was married to Helen McDonald Parker Rusho, until her death in July 2011.
He is survived by his four daughters: Beth Rusho Kolakowski, Marjorie Rusho Mitchell and husband Stoney Mitchell, Julie Rusho Furrow and husband Wayne Furrow, Sally Rusho Vaccaro and husband Mike Vaccaro. Milton also leaves behind Seven cherished grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Milton’s legacy lives in the family he loved the Island he called home, and the life of service he led with pride and honor.
Memorial services will be postponed until Spring or Summer of 2026, when he will be interred on Grindstone Island.
If you would like to donate in Milton’s name, please do so to
The Grindstone Island Methodist Church
Capitol Campaign
Local arrangements are with the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.
Condolences can be made at trjetty.com
Walt Perry
Spent many days seeing Milt at Wellesley Island Building Supply where I was employed at the time. Soft spoken with many stories we all loved to hear. He was one of my many “EF Hutton” people in my life. When he talks you listen to what he has to say.
Never good bye, but I will see you later Milt. God speed. My sincere condelenses to the whole family. He will be missed by all.
Sally Vaccaro
Thank you for sharing your memory of my dad and your kind words Walt -Sally
Beth Rusho
Thank you Walt
Marjorie Rusho Mitchell
Thank you Walt. Stoping in at WIBS and chatting all of you up was something he really enjoyed
Jeffrey D Durand
Sad news, I first met Milton on one of our many family visits to Grindstone. Grindstone was an amazing place! I learned to drive old cars there and ride horses.
I was lucky enough to see him again when he got my brother John involved in buying and selling cattle! I will never forget his little “smirk” and wise comme t when I saw him at WIBS! Rest easy Milt the cows are in and Johnny’s been waiting for you!