Joseph J. Ruscavage Sr.

      It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of a beloved husband, a wonderful father and "Poppy" as well as a devoted friend to many.     Mr. Joseph J. Ruscavage Sr., 86, formerly of Swoyersville, passed peacefully into eternal life in the comfort and familiarity of his residence with his family at his bedside.  Mr. Ruscavage was called home by Almighty God Tuesday morning of Holy Week following a lingering and well-fought illness he endured for some time.

     Born on Friday, December 15, 1939 in Plymouth, he was the son of the late Joseph and Josephine M. (Klimchalk) Ruscavage.  Educated in the Catholic faith, he attended parochial school and later became a graduate of the former Plymouth High School, Class of 1957.

     Having an affinity for water since his days at Harvey's Lake as a youth, Joe enlisted with the United States Coast Guard and proudly served our country during the Vietnam Conflict.  During his tenure with the Coast Guard, he served on the funeral details honor guard and had the distinction of serving at the funeral of the late Admiral William Halsey Jr. in 1959.  He earned the rank of Yeoman Second Class upon his Honorable Discharge from military duties on June 2, 1965.  

     Until global consolidation caused the closure of the local manufacturing facility, Mr. Ruscavage was employed for many years as a technician with the R.C.A. Corporation of Dunmore.   

     Following his formal retirement, Joe did not sit idly by.  He later became active with the Borough of Swoyersville as a zoning officer.  His most proud achievement was serving on the committee that was instrumental in the removal of the ominous culm bank which sat as an eyesore for decades.

     In his spare time, he could be found enjoying the outdoors.  Joe was an avid fisherman and hunter, but especially loved boating with his family.  When the couple's sons were younger, he and his wife would take them on a number of family excursions throughout the northeast waterways including Canada, New York's Finger Lakes  and the Great Lakes, often for weeks at a time.  During the devastation of Hurricane Agnes, he willingly volunteered his time and vessel in the safe rescue of many South Wilkes-Barre residents.

     He and his wife, the former Joan Woolbert celebrated forty-seven years of married life together on August 28th of last year.

     He bid farewell to his father who passed in 1975, his only sister Marie in 2000 and most recently by his mother at the age of 100 in 2013.

     Left to cherish all the wonderful memories they now keep of him, besides the love of his life, Joanie at home are the couple's sons, Joseph "Joey" Ruscavage and his wife Amanda of Luzerne, Mark Ruscavage, and his wife Jaime along with their children Alexandra, Katherine and Bradley, all of Swoyersville.  He also leaves a nephew and two nieces of whom he was a father figure, J.J., Christine and Elizabeth and many dear friends.

     Funeral services for Mr. Ruscavage will be conducted on Thursday, April 9th with his memorial funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville.  The Reverend John J. Chmil, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.  Interment will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.

     Relatives and friends may join Joe's family for visitation and shared remembrances directly at church Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

     Because of his love of animals, especially his faithful companions, Bella, Breya, Rowdy, Sig and Peanut, memorial donations are lovingly suggested in Joe's memory to the Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612 or online at www.bcfanimalrefuge.org.

     The John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc. of Wilkes-Barre is honored to care for our friend, Mr. Ruscavage and his family at this time.  Those wishing to share online words of comfort and sympathy with Joan and the family are encouraged to do so here on his memorial page.  Thank You. 

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