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
Tracy VanArnam
Beth, it has been a long time…I have many memories as we became fast friends. My Dad, Richard Van Arnam, would take our cabin cruiser to Grindstone, dock, and enjoy island life. Bike riding on the unpaved roads, you taught me how to milk a cow by hand (there is a trick to it!) Bullhead fishing with lanterns and bamboo poles. You trying to teach me how to catch nightcrawlers, still can’t to this day! Besides I can cheat and buy them at the gas station, lol! Riding around the island in beat up vehicles, no paving, stone roads. Riding bikes, then a dip in the River. The one room school house, did we go to church. My mother was terrified a snakes, she’d go to the mailbox at home with a pick axe and shovel. I’ll never forget the tongue licking we got from your Dad one afternoon for killing a garter snake. We quickly learned what they did for us, eating bugs, etc. On the back of Grindstone wasn’t there a sand beach? We shared many adventures and I learned to love island life! Growing up in Watertown we had two State Parks with beaches. Nothing compares to River life, cliff diving, and the view of the stars at night. You’re parents always made me feel like part of the family and taught me so much. Joan and Dick provided the boys with a wonderful place to spend your childhood. So many experiences, I’m very grateful. I’m so sorry for your loss, they are always close by…you’ll see. I find they are never far away!
Love,
Tracy
Marjorie Rusho Mitchell
Thank you Walt. Stoping in at WIBS and chatting all of you up was something he really enjoyed
Julie Furrow
Thank you Walt for your kind words
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!
Marjorie Rusho Mitchell
Jeff,
Gosh he loved all you Durand boys! His years running cows with John was truly some of the best times we had as a family!
So many fun stories to share.
He missed John so much after John died. Yes, stoping at WIBS was always a highlight of his day and seeing everyone there.
Tracy VanArnam
Johnny always had a slow smirk, as he contemplating deal making! I can see him, clear a day in my memory bank!
Hazel Lillian Kinnevan
My condolences to Milton’s family although I wasn’t fortunate to be close to Milton I am his first cousin daughter of Melzer his mother Marjorie’s brother may he rest in peace. Hold your many precious memories in your hearts. Hazel Lillian (Dano) Kinnevan
Marcia Sherman
I am so sad to read this…i will miss you but also all your stories and infamous wisdom. Your visits to sit and chat with me at the office will forever be my favorite memory. Thank you for the laughs and friendship…rest easy Milton
Katie baker
Mr rusho made a huge impact in not only my life but my kids. It started when I got the honors of helping him multiple days a week. Our long talks about Grindstone and how we both cherish it so much. To him telling me about his first day of school every time I saw him. Lol. To him loving my kids like his own. The love he had for my kids and the things he would do for them. I will never forget. And neither will my kids. He will forever be cherished and remembered in my house as not only Mr. Rusho. But also as my kids would call him their grandpa without being their grandpa. He will be miss so much, and we will cherish all the memories in the pictures we have with them. The kids and I loved him more than words can describe. Thank you for allowing us to be part of his life. We love you.
Marjorie Rusho Mitchell
Katie
You and your beautiful children were very welcomed visitors . He was always excited to take the kids on Gator rides and share is farm with them. Thank you for bringing a lot of smiles to his life.
Brent Sweet
I spent many sunrises with Milt waiting for the elusive Canvasbacks on the SLR. Those days of hunting with Milt, John and Billy will never be forgotten. We all watched Milt make many unbelievable shots of over 70 yards. His Benelli had more experience than anybody’s, but it wasn’t the gun, it was his razor-sharp duck hunting expertise. Never a dull moment with these guys! Milt will be missed by all. I am sure he and Johnny are plotting their next hunt. They both always said “Remember You Limit Boys”.
Rest in Peace Milt !
Marjorie Rusho Mitchell
Katie
You and your beautiful children were very welcomed visitors . He was always excited to take the kids on Gator rides and share is farm with them. Thank you for bringing a lot of smiles to his life.
Catherine "Chick" Ingerson
So sorry for your loss. I loved growing up on Grindstone but was younger and didn’t know him that well but my parents Clara and Milt did.
Kevin Besaw
I was fortunate to meet Milt and become a friend of his. Enjoyed his sense of humor.
Paige Garnsey Wiley
I have so many beautiful and fond memories of Uncle Milton. My parents, Kevin and Yvette, always looked up to and spoke so fondly of him, and he instilled much wisdom in them. There are so many photos of Uncle Milton and my dad hunting and fishing together—memories and experiences I know meant so much to them. Milton was truly a lovely man. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. May he forever rest in peace on Grindstone.
Liz Dano
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Milton. He was such a kind gentleman and I am smiling as I read the condolence messages people have posted. His loving cousin, John Taylor Dano, will be waiting with open arms to greet Milton and resume their pranks, stories and good times.
Sylvia Anderson-Shoultes
My condolences to Milton’s family. I grew up with the Rusho family on Grindstone. Leon and Marjorie being my parents best friends. I was young when Milton and Polly lived there. I frequently accompanied my mother to visit them and my mother would babysit their children. Milton was always hard working and had a wonderful sense of humor. When he was interviewed for the GIRHC project he had so many stories re people and life on Grindstone during his time there. A delight. We will all miss him.
Yuvon Marra
Hi Rusho girls , Sorry to hear of Milton ‘s passing.
I’m sure Phil is looking for him up above.
We have many good memories of Milt and Polly such as
Passing the orange under the chin at Dodge Hall. They stayed
With us when Sally was little when she had to have a little hip repair.
The last time I spoke with him we were both coming down out of the Dr. office.
He was with Jr.
I’m so glad he was with family at his passing. Another of our Grindstone friends
Gone to a better place
Jill E Evans
Beth, I’m sorry to hear about your dad. My condolences to your family. I’m sure Jojo was there to welcome him to heaven.
Lesa Plantz
Milt will be missed by so many people. His quiet, quick wit was infectious and I always loved hearing the stories he shared here at WIBS. When Milt came upstairs at Wellesley Island Building Supply I could always count on the “Milt and John” cattle stories and hunting tales. Gary and I will miss him and we send our condolences to the family.
Marjorie Rusho Mitchell
He loved his years with John and his many frequent visits to WiBS. Dad was always good for a story and he had many.
Fred Jackson
;/
Thanks to Milt and Polly, our family got to enjoy owning property on Grindstone Island for forty six continuous great summers. Lots of cherished family memories made possible by Milt and Polly’s thoughtfulness.
Fred Jackson
Tristen J Robinson
So sorry to hear of Milt’s passing. He was an incredible soul and I enjoyed speaking with him on a number of occasions. One of my favorites was at his dining room table, where he told me stories about the farm with my Uncle John and his travels in his younger years. He told me that he visited many places, but nothing compared to the River. A wise and kind person and I am glad that I had the pleasure to get to know him. Thinking of the family at this time.
Robin Sayyeau
I was very sad hearing of Milts passing. He was such a wonderful man. Always enjoyed seeing him when he would stop in at Capraras for service or just stopping in for a fresh cup of coffee. I never knew what he was going to say to have me cracking up. Short story, he knew I was having a bad day and said “I’ll be right back”. Came back and handed me a bottle of his favorite wine with instructions to go home,relax and enjoy. He came back two days later for his cup of coffee and said “hey, how did you like that wine?” I said I didn’t. Oh? he said. I proceeded to tell him I drank the entire bottle and had jury duty the following day and fell asleep three times. He said, Kid I said a glass! I didn’t hear that part. He will always hold a special place in my heart. Till we meet again Uncle Milt! No he wasn’t a relative by blood but by heart.
Nick Durand
Wow! Where do I start! The hours I spent sitting in the milk house with Milt and Uncle John listening to stories from dove hunts in the Midwest to farming on Grindstone will forever be one of my greatest memories! He will truly be missed and my sincere condolences to the family.
Powell Adams
Milton was a great friend. I have so many great memories of him when he lived in Florida. He was a Customs Officer and I was a Game Warden. We worked together on many occasions after drug smugglers and game violators.
If you need a definition of a “Salt of the Earth” person just look at Milton Rusho’s life! A great person and a great role model for all!
He will be sorely missed by many in Northwest Florida.