Julio A. Ruscitto

Julio A. Ruscitto

Julio A. "Gene" Ruscitto, 101 years young, of Erie, passed away on February 6, 2023 at the Erie VA Medical Center. He was born on June 14, 1921, son of the late Joseph and Angelina Galante Ruscitto.

Affectionately known as Gene, Gino or simply "G," he graduated from Academy High School and shortly thereafter went off to serve in the Pacific theater of WWII as an Army medic in a MASH unit in New Guinea. Following the war, while working in his family's grocery store, he met Betty McMackin whom he later married in 1950. Together, they enjoyed 58 years of marriage, and raised five children in the home that he built. Gene was employed most of his life as a tool and die maker and plant manager, retiring from Finish Thompson, Inc.

Gene loved passing on his Italian heritage. He enjoyed sharing stories and Italian traditions, which often included his favorite adult beverage that he created and named, "the cockroach." It is sure to be enjoyed for generations. He was the kind of guy that could build or fix anything. Gene enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting – all of which he did well into his late 90s. In his later years, his six grandchildren captured his heart and he cherished many wonderful memories with each of them. He will live on in all of our hearts forever.

Beside his parents, Gene now joins his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" McMackin Ruscitto; his daughter, Barbara Laneve; his son, Robert Ruscitto; his brothers, Joseph, Angelo, Jerry Ruscitto; and his sisters, Tina Parker and Yola Hartshorn in eternal life.

Gene loved his family immensely. Carrying on his legacy are his children, Janet LaRocco (Mark), Mark Ruscitto (Barbara), Sandra Jordano (Mark), and son-in-law, Art Laneve. He was the proud Papa of Alicia Bennett (Todd), Meghan Ziegler (Colton), Rachael Ruscitto, Samantha Jordano, Alexa Jordano, and Gino Jordano; and great-grandpa of Henry and Evelyn Bennett. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Agnes Ruscitto, and further blessed with many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff of the Community Living Center, Erie VA Medical Center for the loving care of our father.

Friends may call at John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry St. on Friday, February 10 from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. and are invited to a service there on Saturday, February 11 at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 West 26 St. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at www.dav.org.

As we gather together, we will raise a cockroach to honor the man who has meant so much to so many. A salute!