John Robert Rusbosin

John Robert Rusbosin, 86, of Latrobe, died Monday, November 10, 2008, at St. Anne's Home in Greensburg, PA. He was born March 27, 1922, in South Heights, a son of the late Andrew John and Mary (Bezosky) Rusbosin. Bob attended St. Veronica's Catholic School in Ambridge, PA and St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Hayes, KS. He served as a pilot in the United States Navy during World War II. He then earned a business degree from Duquesne University. Later he was recognized with an honorary degree from Saint Vincent College. He married Corinne Rankin from Mt. Lebanon. For years, he traveled to Latrobe from Pittsburgh to manage Diamond Furniture. In 1963, at the age of 40 and with 8 children, he moved to Latrobe and decided to open his own business, Rusbosin Furniture & Flooring, at the former Copper Penny Lounge. Bob was always grateful to his many customers, whom he called friends. He was inspired by the many life stories of his customers and used them as teaching moments with his young children around the nightly dinner table. Bob was a kind and gentle man of exceptional character. He was loved by all! Despite long hours at his furniture business, he always supported his faith as a devout Catholic. He was a longtime member of St. Cecilia's Church in Whitney, serving on many committees: the parish council, religious education, Rosary Altar Society, debt reduction committee, and served as a lector. He was very active with the Christian Family Movement in Pittsburgh and was asked to establish the organization within the Diocese of Greensburg. He and Corinne spent endless time and energy creating and nurturing the movement in the region. He and his wife were dedicated mentors for the Marriage Encounter Program in the diocese. St. Vincent College opened many opportunities, including his love for all of the SVC sports programs and especially the St. Vincent Summer Theater. St. Vincent also presented foreign exchange opportunities for Bob to open his home and share the Benedictine charism as a layman. His dinner table was always welcoming to the traveling furniture representative, family and friends, but especially to the priests and sisters of the area. His dedication to Connee and their 11 children was unconditional. His wife Connee preceded him in death in 2002. He is survived by 11 children, Dr. Mark and Susan (Rusbosin) McCormick of Beaver, John and Jeannie Rusbosin of Greensburg, Dr. Robert and Sharon Rusbosin of Hamilton, Ohio, William Rusbosin of Los Angeles, California, Ed and Theresa Rusbosin of Latrobe, John and Nancy (Rusbosin) Kelly of Greensburg, Thomas and Linda (Rusbosin) James of Latrobe, Richard and Janet (Rusbosin) Barker of Latrobe, James (JR) and Carol (Rusbosin) Tricase of Santa Barbara, Calif., Daniel and Tammy Rusbosin of Ligonier and Michael and Renee (Rusbosin) Stallings of Latrobe; 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; Manuel Navarro of Latrobe, "adopted" son from Panama; a sister, Rita (Rusbosin) Haug of Erie, PA and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Vincent Rusbosin, and one sister Betty JoAnne Kladowski. Bob had been a member of the chapel of St. Anne's for the past ten years and was the recipient of much love and support from his most recent spiritual family there at St. Anne's. Friends will be received at the FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe, on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. The combined funeral detail of American Legion Post # 515 and VFW Post 3414 will provide military honors in the funeral home Friday at 9:30 a.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Rose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Bob wished that contributions be sent to St. Anne's Home 685 Angela Dr. Greensburg, PA 15601, St. Cecilia Debt Reduction Fund 220 St. Cecilia Rd. Latrobe, PA 15650 or the St. Vincent College Development Club 300 Fraser Purchase Rd. Latrobe, PA 15650.