Raymond M. Rusnak

On February 16, 2020 we lost a genuine and kind soul with the passing of our father, Raymond “Ray” Michael Rusnak, born July 17, 1941 in Homestead, PA to Michael Rusnak and Helen (Porach) Rusnak.  Married to Lois (Hoener) Rusnak on May 1, 1965 and having two children, Jeff and Lori, he was devoted to her until her passing in 2016.  Remembering him are his children Jeff & wife Chris Rusnak and Lori & husband Chuck Weaver; 4 grandchildren Isiah, Christopher, Haydon, and Katie; 4 great-grandchildren Kasen, Ian, Willow, and Silas; a special family friend for over 50 years, Darla Schwirian of North Huntingdon, PA, who has been a “ray” of sunshine in all of our lives;   also extended family members  Bob Schartner of Fla, Carol Schartner of PA, Karen (Schartner) Allision of NC, Emily and Al Soltys of MD and a host of other relatives and friends.  Ray was a retired program developer from Hobart ITW where he worked for many years.

Our dad was a one of a kind human being, husband, friend and most important to us, father.  There are many words that come to mind when thinking of our dad.  He was a simple man with an analytical mind, eager to find solutions to fix any situation whether it be tangible, situational, emotional or spiritual.  He was accepting of others and offered unconditional love and support without judgement to not only his children but others that came into his life.  Our dad was kind, compassionate and easy going with a jovial fun loving spirit.  He was humble and took great pride in his work and raising his children.  He sought answers to everything, including God and God’s actions in others lives; not just his own.  He gave credit where credit was due and was a connoisseur of “fine” food.  He had recently shared his opinion over breakfast at McDonald’s that the McGriddle was the best idea that McDonald’s had come up with!!  We will miss his unique sense of humor....

Simple things brought enjoyment to our dad.  He enjoyed hopping in the car and just taking a ride, to nowhere in particular.  He and our mom loved taking trips to Holmes Co and spending time in the Amish culture, spending time learning the culture and religion with them directly.  He enjoyed a quiet day watching airplanes take off and land.  Anything computer or technology related intrigued him and he could get lost in it for hours and hours.  Spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids was a simple pleasure that was priceless for all of us.

We always had pets growing up and they held a special place in our dad’s heart.  He loved his black lab Noah, Noah was his buddy.  He was especially fond of a horse Rusty owned by Chuck and Lori. Rusty was a gentle giant with such a calm warm soul, as was my dad.  Our dad was very drawn to Rusty.  Though Rusty passed several years ago he was very much on my dad’s mind in the days prior to his passing and he reminisced about him.  One can’t help but see the similarities between them.

There is so much that can be said about our dad but nothing can replace him.  He instilled in us a moral compass and values in that you simply do the right thing and exude kindness.  Be humble, find solutions, be giving, there’s no room for judgements, advocate for others.  Be the example.  We were raised with a foundation in God and an even stronger faith and belief.  Everything happens for a reason because God has a bigger plan than what is right before us.  Though he sought answers as he was faced with his diagnosis and future, he never lost sight of the peaceful hand of God.  As God is our anchor in Heaven, our dad was our anchor on Earth.   Our hearts are broken for our loss, however Heaven has welcomed a very special person.  With all our love dad.....

There are no public services scheduled at this time.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Ray be made to: The Kettering Medical Center Foundation: Kettering Brain & Spine Attn. Jared Still, 3535 Southern Boulevard, Kettering, OH 45429 for continuing research.