Harold Edward Rusch, age 89, went on to be with His Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 20 at 4:10 p.m. He passed away at Buffalo General Hospital with his family surrounding him. He was born in Dunkirk, NY, on March 24, 1925 to the late Edward and Mary (Kolb) Rusch.
Harold was a caring person who always put others' needs first before his own. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and his wife Olivia (Olive Mae Centner) were married May 13, 1950 and celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this past May.
Harold was very proud of his service in the Army during World War II. He served from 1943 until 1946 in the 579th Battalion AAA, stationed in the Philippines and Japan. He was a retired fireman for the City of Dunkirk, ran Rusch's Moving & Delivery Service for many years, was a real estate salesperson for Rusch Realty and then later drove a bus for CARTS.
In addition to his wife - the love of his life - he is survived by his children: Edward Rusch II, Harold (Hal) Rusch II (Mary Jo) and Mary Reynolds - all of Dunkirk, Susan Rusch of Columbia, SC, Janie Hurley (Mark) of Davidson, NC, Sally Bueno (Albert) of Chapin, SC, and Robert Rusch of Los Angeles, CA. He is survived by 2 sisters: Avellina (Avey) Giacchino, Fredonia, NY, and Janet LaJoie of Silver Creek, NY.
He is survived by 22 grandchildren: Vanessa Lynn Rusch, Justin Rusch, Edward Rusch III, Matthew Rusch, Adam Rusch, Nadia Daouaou, Leila Daouaou, Dave Reynolds, Jimmy Reynolds, Katie Durham, Nicole Beatty, Alisha Beatty, Kayla Beatty, Kristine Beatty, Courtney Hurley, Nicole Hurley, Brianna Hurley, Mark Hurley, Dena Uscio, Lola Bueno, Olivia Bueno and Alex Bueno. He is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren: Cameron, Alore Lynn, Stephen, Violet, Eve, Scarlet, Natalie, Parker, Emily, Sierra Rose, Ayva, Izaiah, Victoria, Kaelyn, Daisy, Nick, Ramona, Joey, Jimmy, MiraLynn, Jayden, Alena, Lily, Sophia, Cole and Teegan.
He is further survived by his beloved pets: Belle and Samantha.
Harold was predeceased by infant son Richard, 4, and a half-year-old daughter Mary Lou and his sisters: Helen Beliveau and Rita Tynan.
Even in death, he continues to help others by donating his body to the University of Buffalo Medical Center for research.
There will be a Memorial Celebration of his life this Tuesday, September 23, at 5:30 p.m. at Harvest Chapel, 39 Matteson St. in Fredonia, followed by a dinner in the Fellowship Hall. All friends and family are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the Rusch family would like donations sent to the American Cancer Society: P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
By the Observer
